Alexa Nikolas Reveals She Shared Her Nickelodeon Experience For 'Zero Payment'
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on April 1, 2024 at 12:05 PM EDT
Alexa Nikolas, who participated in the 'Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV' says she shared her story for "zero payment."
The 'Zoey 101' star has spoken out about her experience working for Nickelodeon and how she endured a toxic work environment, which the network did nothing about.
According to Nikolas, Dan Schneider, the 'Zoey 101' showrunner, "handpicked” miniskirts for her to wear on the show, which were “so short” that she was given biker shorts to wear underneath.
Alexa Nikolas Shares Her Nickelodeon Experience
“I was told [I had to wear the shorts] so that nobody sees my b-tt,” Nikolas told The Hollywood Reporter of the skirt incident. “It’s humiliating for a child to be told, ‘We just want to make sure that your b-tt doesn’t show!’ You look back at that and you’re like, ‘Why don’t you just give me clothes that don’t show my b-tt?’ Like, that’s fr--king weird!"
Adding, "Dan [Schneider] wants these skirts; he’s the one handpicking them and he has all creative control. It’s pretty scary looking back at that experience.”
Nickelodeon Is Allegedly 'Making Millions' Of Kid Stars
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After the 'Quiet On Set' docuseries aired, Nikolas, who has been vocal about her experience on Nickelodeon for years, has taken to social media to call out the network for making "millions of dollars off of kids."
"Nickelodeon was my childhood trauma TOO. BTW," she began in her X rant. "I got exploited as a child while in a toxic work environment, and that company made millions of dollars off of us kids. I want to see people supporting me and others rocking a Sickelodeon t-shirt. You watch that doc and attack me?"
Alexa Nikolas Shared Her Story For 'Zero Payment'
In a second post, she said, "We are left with nothing, meanwhile they make millions off of us still till this day. While we can’t afford therapy. Shame on you."
But it didn't stop there, as in a third X post the 'Zoey 101' star revealed she shared her story for "zero payment."
"Go ask HBO and ID how much they have gotten paid off our trauma. Bring that energy over there," she said, adding, "We shared our stories for a better world with zero payment. Power to Survivors. Proud of us."
Britney Spears Allegedly 'Berated' Alexa Nikolas
Jamie Lynn Spears and Alexa Nikolas had a feud on the set of 'Zoey 101', and Britney Spears, being the older sister of Jamie Lynn, took her side, allegedly screaming and yelling at Nikolas at one point. According to Nikolas, Britney allegedly started “berating” her on Jamie Lynn’s behalf, threatening to ruin her career.
“My mom didn’t even know where I was in that moment and that was child endangerment,” Nikolas told THR about the incident. “Imagine if it wasn’t Britney and Jamie. Imagine if it was [convicted child s-x abuser] Brian Peck on the other side. Which is why, when you’re a talent coordinator, you have to tell the parents where you are taking the children.”
The 'Toxic' singer has since apologized to the 'Zoey 101' star.
Alexa Nikolas Forgives Britney Spears For 'Zoey 101' Incident
"[Britney], I’m sitting here crying with my jaw on the floor. Thank you for seeing me and listening to me. Thank you for apologizing. As you know I forgive you," she wrote in a social media post addressing Britney's apology. "You have always been my biggest inspiration and strength since I was 6-years-old. You have healed so many childhood wounds for me as an adult. Your voice is POWERFUL. Beyond. I hope you always know that."
"This is honestly one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me. We forget as a society how much support and love impacts us. My child self and current self is in awe of the incredible person you are," she continued. "I always knew that about you. I’m pretty positive so many of us always knew. Thank you for being you and embracing everything that you are.
Nikolas concluded, "To describe you now would be a wordless language. Thank you for this. I can’t wait to show my daughter Nova what an inspiration you are now and forever. Love you. You deserve the best. That’s all for now. Thank you. Oh, and @nickelodeon can kiss my a--."
The Blast has reached out to reps for Dan Schneider and Alexa Nikolas.