“A lot of people don’t have the support that they need to get through performing at that level at such a young age,” Grande said on ‘Podcrushed’
Ariana Grande has openly shared her experiences and thoughts about growing up in the entertainment industry. In a recent episode of ‘Podcrushed,’ she offered a heartfelt glimpse into her past as a child actor on Nickelodeon and touched on broader issues within the industry.
The “Thank U, Next” singer reflected on the Investigation Discovery’s docuseries, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which dives into some negative aspects of children’s television in the 1990s and early 2000s. The series highlights toxic environments across shows like All That, The Amanda Show, and Zoey 101, with accounts from former actors, writers, and crew discussing alleged abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
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“A lot of people don’t have the support that they need to get through performing at that level at such a young age, but also dealing with some of the things that the survivors who have come forward have experienced…there’s not a word for how devastating that is to hear,” Ariana shared.
Grande emphasized the need for a safer environment for kids in the industry. She proposed that therapists and parents should be more involved on set, ensuring children’s well-being. “Parents should be allowed to be wherever they want to be, not only on kids’ sets,” she added.
She advocated for these safety measures to be written into contracts for young performers, ensuring that all children in the industry receive the support they need.
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Grande also touched on the influence and pressure young actors feel from adults on set, noting that it creates a potentially harmful dynamic. “You’re like, ‘Oh man, I’m doing something great. Like, this is funny, this is good,’” she said, acknowledging the difficulty of discerning appropriate from inappropriate behavior at such a young age.
Reflecting on her own experience from her Nickelodeon days with her co-stars, including Victoria Justice, Daniella Monet, and others, she conceded that some of the humor and innuendos used were looked upon differently then than they are now. “Looking back on some of the clips, I’m like, ‘That’s… damn, really?’”
She revealed that certain content, which wasn’t approved for the network, was uploaded elsewhere, such as the show’s website. “That is another discovery. But I’m going into it…I guess I’m upset,” she admitted.
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The multi-talented performer believes that anyone embarking on a career in such a high-profile industry should have mandatory access to therapy. The drastic life changes that come with fame and exposure at a young age require professional support, she argued.
A source close to Grande shared with PEOPLE that her personal experience as a child actor was different, but recent reports prompted her to reevaluate her past through an adult lens. She feels deeply affected by the stories of survivors and supports ongoing conversations on protecting young performers in the industry.
In conclusion, Ariana Grande’s call for a safer working environment for children in the entertainment industry is both a timely and vital discussion. By advocating for more parental and professional support on set, Grande aims to ensure that young performers have the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
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