Why do sjp and kim cattrall not like each other

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall's feud stems from long-standing tensions during their time on 'Sex and the City' (1998-2004) and its films, with Cattrall publicly criticizing Parker's leadership and the show's pay disparities. In 2017, Cattrall refused to participate in a third film, citing dissatisfaction with the script and Parker's behavior, and later revealed Parker had not supported her after her brother's 2018 death. Their conflict escalated through media interviews, with Cattrall calling Parker 'cruel' in 2022, and Parker stating she had 'never been friends' with Cattrall, highlighting deep personal and professional rifts.

Key Facts

The feud began during 'Sex and the City' (1998-2004), where Cattrall earned $350,000 per episode compared to Parker's $3.2 million for the final season.
In 2017, Cattrall publicly declined a third film, citing script issues and tensions with Parker, which halted production.
Cattrall revealed in 2018 that Parker did not offer condolences after her brother's death, deepening the personal rift.
In a 2022 interview, Cattrall called Parker 'cruel' and accused her of exploiting their feud for publicity.
Parker responded in 2023, stating she had 'never been friends' with Cattrall, emphasizing their relationship was purely professional.

Overview

The feud between Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) and Kim Cattrall, co-stars on HBO's 'Sex and the City' (1998-2004), originated during the show's production and has persisted for over two decades, marked by public disputes and media scrutiny. Cattrall, who played Samantha Jones, reportedly felt marginalized compared to Parker, who starred as Carrie Bradshaw and served as an executive producer. Tensions escalated due to pay disparities; by the final season, Parker earned approximately $3.2 million per episode, while Cattrall received around $350,000, reflecting broader industry inequities. The conflict extended to the film adaptations: 'Sex and the City' (2008) and 'Sex and the City 2' (2010), where Cattrall expressed dissatisfaction with storylines and working conditions. In 2017, plans for a third film were canceled after Cattrall publicly refused to participate, citing creative differences and personal grievances with Parker. The feud gained renewed attention in 2022-2023 through interviews and social media, highlighting unresolved issues from their time on the show and its aftermath.

How It Works

The feud operates through a combination of professional disagreements, personal slights, and public communication, driven by underlying power dynamics and media amplification. Professionally, it stems from contractual and creative conflicts: Cattrall felt underpaid and undervalued relative to Parker's dual role as star and producer, leading to resentment over compensation and creative control. Personally, the rift deepened with perceived insensitivity, such as Parker's lack of support after Cattrall's brother died in 2018, which Cattrall disclosed in interviews, framing it as a betrayal. The mechanism involves public statements and media engagements: Cattrall has used platforms like 'The Divorce' podcast and 'Variety' interviews to criticize Parker's behavior, while Parker has responded through outlets like 'The Hollywood Reporter,' often downplaying the conflict or asserting professionalism. Social media and fan reactions amplify the feud, with each comment sparking discussions and speculation. This cycle of accusation and response perpetuates the narrative, making reconciliation unlikely due to entrenched positions and the public nature of their grievances.

Why It Matters

This feud matters because it reflects broader issues in Hollywood, such as gender pay gaps, workplace dynamics, and the challenges of female-led productions. It highlights how power imbalances, like Parker's producer role versus Cattrall's cast position, can fuel long-term conflicts, affecting team morale and project outcomes—evident in the canceled third film. For fans, it impacts the legacy of 'Sex and the City,' a cultural touchstone, by tarnishing its image and complicating potential revivals, as seen with Cattrall's absence from 'And Just Like That...' (2021-present). In media, it serves as a case study in celebrity feuds, illustrating how personal disputes play out publicly and influence public perception, with lessons on conflict resolution and professionalism in entertainment.