Texas University Breaks Silence on McConaughey Speech Fee

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas university that booked Matthew McConaughey as its May commencement speaker has broken the silence on the former Longview resident’s speaking fee. The University of Houston said in a statement Tuesday that it was paying the actor speaking fees totaling $135,000 plus travel expenses, as well as a $20,250 commission to the Celebrity Talent International booking agency engaged by the university. Meanwhile, the statement says McConaughey is donating his fees to a foundation he started to provide tools to help high school students lead active lives and make healthy choices for the future. The university initially balked at revealing McConaughey’s fee, citing a confidentiality agreement with the booking agency. However, the university says its business with the agency is finished and the confidentiality agreement is no longer binding.