Josh Hutcherson Reacts to Jennifer Lawrence Wage Gap Essay, Calls Gender Pay Gap 'Mind-blowing'

— -- Josh Hutcherson is the latest star to comment on Jennifer Lawrence's essay on the wage gap in Hollywood, and the actor couldn't be prouder of his "Hunger Games" co-star.

Lawrence recently published an essay for Lena Dunham's newsletter, Lenny, in which the "Hunger Games" actress admitted that she regretted not negotiating more money in her contract while filming "American Hustle."

Actors Bradley Cooper and Jeremy Renner have both publicly said they support Lawrence's stance on equal pay for women.

Last night, while promoting his new short film "The Rusted," Hutcherson applauded Lawrence for taking a stand against the gender pay gap issue in Hollywood.

"For Jen to use her platform to speak about it in her classic Jen way, just blunt, saying what she thinks, I think it’s great," Josh said in an interview with MTV. "Obviously it’s something that should have happened decades and decades and decades ago, and the fact that it’s something we’re still dealing with now is f–king embarrassing and shocking."

Hutcherson revealed that Lawrence is not usually one to tackle controversial issues, and that he is "really proud" of the actress for speaking her mind.

“She’s always been a little gun-shy…she’s always said what she thinks, but as far as tackling issues, she’s never really stepped up to do that," he added. "It’s nice to see her now taking that step, being progressive, and using her voice not just to make people laugh.”

As for Hutcherson's personal opinion on the wage gap affecting average men and women in America, the actor calls it "embarrassing and shocking."

"It’s just so f–king shocking that a guy and girl coming out of college with the exact same degree...women will get paid significantly less," said Hutcherson. "How is that even a real thing? It’s mind-blowing.”