Scarlett Johansson’s journey into acting began at a young age, landing her first role in the 1994 film North. However, it was her standout performance in Lost in Translation that propelled her to stardom, earning her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress and establishing her as a prominent name in Hollywood. Over the years, Johansson became a household name, particularly known for her roles in blockbuster films, including her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Much of her early career success can be attributed to her mother, Melanie Sloan, who served as her manager for many years, helping guide Johansson through her rise to fame. However, this professional relationship came to an end in 2009 when Johansson made the decision to switch to a new manager.
In 2009, Scarlett Johansson fired her mother and longtime manager, choosing to replace her with Rick Yorn, a prominent Hollywood manager known for working with stars like Justin Timberlake, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Cameron Diaz. According to ABC News, this shift led to financial difficulties for Sloan, who had previously managed Johansson’s lucrative career. Around the same time, Sloan was in the process of purchasing a $1.4 million Manhattan apartment, but after losing her managerial role, she found herself unable to afford the property. This led to a lawsuit when the sellers sued her for the $130,000 deposit she had placed on the apartment. The seller’s lawyer, Adam Leitman Bailey, expressed confusion at how Sloan’s financial situation had deteriorated so quickly, even suggesting that she may have been committing fraud.
Despite no longer managing her daughter’s career, Sloan believed she would continue to receive residual payments from Scarlett Johansson’s endorsement deals. In correspondence with her agent, Troy Bailey, Sloan inquired about potential earnings from Johansson’s Moët & Chandon and Dolce & Gabbana endorsements. According to The New York Post, Sloan hoped these payments would help her cover her financial obligations. However, the only payment due in 2012 was $250,000 from Moët, of which Sloan was only entitled to $25,000—far short of what she needed to secure the apartment.Johansson’s decision to part ways with her mother professionally came after her marriage to Ryan Reynolds. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Johansson explained her reasoning, saying, “Once I got married, I felt that I needed to cut the cord.” While the two no longer worked together in a business capacity, their personal relationship remained strong, showing that their bond as mother and daughter endured despite the professional separation.
