Ariana Grande Speaks Out About Nickelodeon and Her Child Star Experiences

Ariana Grande, one of the most recognizable pop stars today, recently opened up about her experiences as a child actress on Nickelodeon. She shared her reflections on working in the industry at a young age and the revelations brought to light about the network’s environment. Grande’s candid discussion took place on an episode of Penn Badgley’s podcast, where she delved into various aspects of her career and personal life, shedding light on the complexities and challenges faced by child stars.

Childhood Stardom and Industry Challenges

Grande’s conversation touched upon the broader issue of children in the entertainment industry, a topic that has gained significant attention recently. The release of the docuseries “Quiet On Set” by Investigation Discovery has highlighted disturbing aspects of the environment at Nickelodeon during the early 2000s. The series delves into the workplace dynamics and behavior of key figures at the network, particularly focusing on Dan Schneider, a former Nickelodeon executive responsible for numerous hit shows including “Victorious” and “Sam & Cat,” both of which starred Grande.

Schneider has faced numerous allegations over the years, with many finding his behavior towards cast and crew members inappropriate. Despite an internal investigation by Nickelodeon that reportedly found him difficult to work with but cleared him of more severe misconduct, public opinion remains highly critical of him. Schneider is currently suing the producers of “Quiet On Set” for what he claims is a defamatory portrayal.

Inappropriate Content and Exploitation

One of the most shocking aspects revealed in the docuseries involves the inappropriate content and adult innuendos embedded in these children’s shows. Grande’s own scenes were cited as examples, including those where she was seen pouring water on herself, playing with a pickle-shaped toy, and pretending to gag. Reflecting on these scenes, Grande expressed her discomfort and dismay, noting how she and other young actors were convinced that pushing the envelope with such humor was the cool thing to do.

Grande revealed that making the producers and crew laugh was a significant validation for the young actors, making them feel like they were performing well. However, in retrospect, she finds the jokes and scenarios disturbing and inappropriate. This manipulation of young actors for the amusement of adults is a critical issue that the docuseries exposes.

The Slap: A Platform for Unapproved Content

Grande also discussed how some content that was deemed too inappropriate for broadcast found its way onto Nickelodeon’s online platforms, such as “The Slap,” a website linked to the show “Victorious.” These websites were interactive platforms where fans could access games, music, photos, and videos. However, according to Grande, clips that were not approved for television were uploaded there, bypassing network scrutiny. This revelation is particularly unsettling, given that these sites were only shut down in 2018, following Schneider’s departure from Nickelodeon.

Lack of Parental Supervision

A significant concern highlighted by Grande is the lack of parental supervision on set. She mentioned that her mother was not allowed to be present during much of her time on set, which is troubling given the nature of some of the content being produced. This lack of oversight raises serious questions about the working conditions for young actors and the protective measures that were, or were not, in place.

Call for Change

Throughout the podcast, Grande emphasized the need for systemic changes in the industry to protect child actors. She advocated for mandatory therapy sessions and greater parental involvement, suggesting that these measures should be standard practice not only for child stars but for anyone working in high-exposure environments like television or music. Grande stressed the importance of having someone to talk to about the pressures and challenges of fame, noting that she has been fortunate to have a support system, including close relationships with mentors like producer Max Martin.

Reflection and Reprocessing

Grande admitted that she is still reprocessing her experiences and relationship with her time at Nickelodeon. The conversation with Badgley and his co-hosts provided a platform for her to articulate her evolving perspective and advocate for a safer, more supportive environment for future generations of performers.

Conclusion

Ariana Grande’s reflections offer a sobering look at the realities of growing up in the entertainment industry. Her call for change highlights the need for better protections and mental health support for child actors. As the conversation about the treatment of young stars continues, it is crucial that the industry takes steps to ensure a safer and more nurturing environment for its youngest members. Grande’s openness and advocacy serve as an important reminder of the responsibilities that come with producing content for and with children.