Ariana Grande Advocates for Enhanced Safeguards for Child Stars

Synopsis

Ariana Grande emphasizes the need for increased protections for child stars, reflecting on her own experience in the industry. Having gained fame as Cat Valentine in 'Victorious', she seeks to create a safer environment for young performers.

Key Takeaways

Ariana Grande calls for improved protections for child actors.
She reflects on her experiences as Cat Valentine in Victorious.
Emphasizes the need for support in the industry.
Concerns arise over the treatment of young performers.
Ariana received an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Wicked’.

Los Angeles, Jan 27 (NationPress) Singer-songwriter Ariana Grande is calling for greater protection for child stars. The 31-year-old artist rose to prominence as a teenager by portraying Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon sitcom ‘Victorious’ during the late 2000s.

While she cherished that period, she acknowledges the need for support to navigate it, according to ‘Mirror.co.uk’.

She stated, "Being part of this industry at any age, whether as a child or an adult, involves a delicate balance between survival and thriving. There are countless wonderful aspects of being an actor and performer. I vividly remember falling deeply in love with my character, which was a profound gift in my life. Playing Cat Valentine was my initial encounter with becoming fully immersed in a character, and I loved every moment of it. My best friend Liz Gillies shared a similar journey with her character, Jade, on Victorious".

Ariana shared her thoughts during an interview with the BBC World Service's Arts Hour, stating, "We learned so many beautiful lessons. However, being involved in this industry necessitates that support. Everything about it can feel quite odd and foreign. The experience of acting itself makes you step outside of your own identity. It's a peculiar situation to be working as a child in an adult's world, and it's a significant adjustment."

She continued, "Completing school in a cramped space and having to take certain exams to graduate early, enabling us to work adult hours sooner, were all decisions we made. Nevertheless, I believe this industry should prioritize creating a safer environment for children, adults, and everyone involved."

According to ‘Mirror.co.uk’, Ariana's remarks arose following allegations against former Nickelodeon executive Dan Schneider, who was accused of fostering a toxic workplace for child actors in the documentary 'Quiet On Set'.

The ‘Wicked’ star confessed that she feels concerned for those in the industry who lack adequate support and aspires to contribute to meaningful change in the future.

She expressed, "I worry for those who don’t have that support, and I hope we can collaborate on being a positive force for change by discussing these issues."

This week, Ariana received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Glinda in the acclaimed film ‘Wicked’, an adaptation of the beloved musical released last year.