Ariana Grande Speaks Up: Unveiling the Truth Behind ‘Quiet On Set’ Docuseries.
If children are going to pursue acting, it’s imperative to ensure a safer environment.
As Investigation Discovery’s docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” shed light on the vulnerabilities of child actors, a wave of support surged from industry figures like Disney Channel’s Christy Carlson Romano and Victoria Justice. Ariana Grande, known for her roles in Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” and “Sam & Cat,” both created by Dan Schneider, recently discussed the impact of “Quiet on Set” on Penn Badgley’s podcast, Podcrushed. Grande shared her insights on enhancing the on-set experience for child actors, emphasizing the need for improvement.
A significant number of individuals lack the necessary support to navigate the demands of performing at such a young age, compounded by the challenges survivors have courageously shared,” Grande commented. “It’s indescribably devastating to hear their experiences. Creating a safer environment is imperative for child actors, with provisions such as on-set therapists and flexible parental presence being crucial.
Grande emphasized the importance of clear contracts prioritizing safety and protection for young stars. She insisted that whether they were actors or musicians, having parental presence should be a non-negotiable aspect.
“I believe that whether one pursues acting, music, or any form of public exposure, whether it’s television or signing with a major label, safeguards should be clearly outlined in the contract,” Grande emphasized. She highlighted the vulnerability of children to exploitation, noting a concerning trend where the desire to please leads to exploitation on set for a mere laugh from the production team.
Following the airing of the docuseries, numerous viewers observed that Grande and her co-star, Jennette McCurdy, frequently found themselves in scenarios containing subtle sexual innuendos.
“The innuendos were presented to us as a way to add a cool edge, and at the time, we were convinced,” she explained. “But now, upon reflection and watching some of the clips, I’m taken aback. It all happened so fast. Seeing things that didn’t pass network approval sneak onto our website or elsewhere is another revelation. I guess I’m upset about it.”
Regarding her vision for the industry’s progression, Grande proposed the availability of medical professionals for both actors and their families. She stressed the importance of not only addressing mental health but also providing guidance in what can be transformative moments in their lives.
“There should be a mandatory component of therapy, with a professional available to help unpack the profound impact that such life-altering experiences can have on individuals, whether they’re young or at any age,” she emphasized.
