Kat Dennings slams '2 Broke Girls' for unpaid scene, sparks outcry

**Kat Dennings Says She Refused to Film Shirtless Scene on ‘2 Broke Girls’ Over Pay Dispute**

Kat Dennings, who played Max Black on the long‑running CBS sitcom *2 Broke Girls*, recently revealed that she declined to film a shirtless scene during the show’s early seasons. The actress explained that the scene involved her character and co‑star Beth Behrs’ Caroline running around the apartment set while wearing only bras.

“They were just wearing bras and they were running around in the apartment set,” Dennings said in a TikTok video she shared with fans.

During the shoot, Dennings approached showrunner Michael Patrick King after a table read of the episode.

She told him, “I’m gonna need you to take out the bra scene, or have us wearing clothes during the scene.” , King replied, “No I mean, this is the scene.” She then responded, “You don’t pay me enough for a bra scene.” The actress claimed that the requested change was ultimately made and the scene was removed from the final cut.

## Background & Context

*2 Broke Girls* premiered on CBS in 2011 and ran for six seasons, producing over 130 episodes until its conclusion in 2019. The series followed Max Black (Dennings) and Caroline Channing (Behrs), two friends and roommates who worked as waitresses at a Brooklyn diner while trying to launch a cupcake business.

The show’s debut episode attracted nearly 20 million viewers and became a staple of CBS’ comedy lineup.

At the time of the incident, Dennings was relatively early in her career. She described herself as “young and very lucky to be on a show that was successful,” noting that she lacked the leverage to demand changes or negotiate higher pay.

The episode in question was filmed during either Season 1 or 2, when the show was still establishing its identity and budgetary framework.

Dennings has spoken publicly about body image concerns in Hollywood.

In a January 2025 interview with *People*, she recalled how her manager once responded to her audition feedback with, “Well, they thought you weren’t pretty enough and you’re fat.” The actress has also been open about the emotional toll of her experiences on the set, referencing “PTSD” in a recent Instagram post celebrating the show’s 15th anniversary.

## What People Are Saying

Dennings’ TikTok clip sparked discussion among fans who appreciated her candor about pay inequity. Her statement, “Never underestimate yourself, is the moral of the story,” resonated with viewers who had followed her career since early roles in *The 40 Year Old Virgin*.

She added, “And they weren’t paying me enough, although I don’t think anyone could.” The post prompted a broader conversation about compensation for women actors in television.

In response to the TikTok, Dennings noted that she had no formal representation or union backing at the time of the dispute. She said that her decision to speak out was driven by a desire to share her experience rather than to launch a lawsuit.

The show’s creator, Michael Patrick King, has not issued a public statement regarding the incident as of the latest available information.

The actress’s marriage to musician Andrew W.K. in 2023 has drawn additional media attention, though it does not directly relate to the *2 Broke Girls* episode. Fans have pointed out that Dennings remains an outspoken advocate for body positivity and workplace fairness in entertainment.

## What Happens Next

While no formal legal action has been reported, Dennings’ disclosure has placed a spotlight on pay practices within the television industry. The episode’s removal suggests that her concerns were taken seriously by the production team, at least in this isolated instance.

Whether the incident will lead to broader policy changes remains uncertain.

The *2 Broke Girls* fan base continues to celebrate its 15th anniversary, with many reminiscing about the show’s comedic chemistry and cultural impact. Dennings has expressed gratitude for the money she earned from the series, despite describing the experience as traumatic.

The broader conversation about fair compensation for actors, particularly women, is likely to persist as more industry figures share similar stories.

In closing, Kat Dennings’ decision to refuse a low‑pay shirtless scene on *2 Broke Girls* underscores the ongoing challenges actors face in negotiating fair treatment on set. Her candidness provides a valuable case study for discussions about equity and empowerment within Hollywood.