Featured Image Credit: David Buchan/Shutterstock/Nickelodeon
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, US News
Lisa McLoughlin
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, US News
iCarly star Jennette McCurdy claimed she was offered thousands of dollars in 'hush money' to ensure she wouldn't publicly discuss her time at Nickelodeon or experiences with a man she worked with, referred to as 'The Creator'.
In the actress’ new memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, the 30-year-old alleges that Nickelodeon presented her with $300,000 (£248,498) to keep quiet over the alleged abuse she faced at the network.
UNILAD has contacted Nickelodeon for comment.
In an excerpt published by Vanity Fair, McCurdy doesn’t mention her alleged abuser by name, but refers to him as ‘The Creator’ and explains that he urged her to drink alcohol aged 18, in the US the legal drinking age is 21.
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She also claimed he massaged her shoulders in an inappropriate manner, writing: “I want to say something, to tell him to stop, but I’m so scared of offending him.”
The actress starred in Nickelodeon’s iCarly from 2007 to 2012 before landing her own show, Sam & Cat, on the network, however it was cancelled after one season.
Recalling the day she learned the sitcom was axed, McCurdy claimed a member of her team told her that Nickelodeon was 'offering [her] $300,000' and that she should 'think of it like a thank-you gift'.
She wrote that one of her manager’s said: “They’re giving you $300,000 and the only thing they want you to do is never talk publicly about your experience at Nickelodeon,” which she claimed was in reference to her experiences 'specifically related to The Creator'.
Despite her agent telling her it was 'free money', McCurdy rejected the offer and told her agent: “No it’s not. This isn’t free money. This feels to me like hush money…I’m not taking hush money.
“What the f**k? Nickelodeon is offering me $300,000 in hush money to not talk publicly about my experience on the show? My personal experience of The Creator’s abuse?
"This is a network with shows made for children.
“Shouldn’t they have some sort of moral compass? Shouldn’t they at least try to report to some sort of ethical standard?
“I lean back against the headboard of my bed and cross my legs out in front of me. I extend my arms behind my head and rest them there in a gesture of pride. Who else would have the moral strength? I just turned down $300,000.”
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