JoJo Siwa’s Revelations: How She Was Treated by Nickelodeon After Coming Out
In a recent interview with Demi Lovato for the new Hulu documentary, Child Star, JoJo Siwa opened up about the less-than-welcoming response she received from Nickelodeon after publicly coming out as queer. Let’s delve into the details of this eye-opening conversation:
Background on JoJo Siwa and Nickelodeon
- JoJo Siwa, a talented dancer, actor, and singer, signed with Nickelodeon in 2017 at the age of 14.
- She is known for her roles in various Nickelodeon projects, including the 2021 musical movie The J Team.
The Revelation
- In the interview with Demi Lovato, JoJo Siwa revealed that Nickelodeon "blackballed" her after she shared her sexuality with the world.
- Siwa came out in 2021 by posting a video of herself singing along to Lady Gaga’s LGBTQ anthem, Born This Way.
- While she received overwhelming online support for her coming out, Nickelodeon’s response was less supportive.
The Unfortunate Response from Nickelodeon
- Siwa recounts a conversation with the network’s president, who expressed concerns about what to tell kids and parents regarding her sexuality.
- She felt pressured to conform to certain expectations and felt a shift in how Nickelodeon treated her post-coming out.
The Fallout
- Despite her previous heavy involvement in Nickelodeon projects, JoJo Siwa was not invited to the 2022 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
- She felt sidelined and excluded from the company she had worked closely with.
JoJo Siwa’s Reflection
- Siwa expressed that she felt "blackballed" by Nickelodeon and that her relationship with the network had changed significantly after coming out.
- She believed that coming out was the right decision, despite the challenges she faced.
Nickelodeon’s Response
- A Nickelodeon spokesperson denied Siwa’s accusations, stating that they had always supported her and collaborated on various projects, including a JoJo-themed Pride collection.
In conclusion, JoJo Siwa’s story sheds light on the complexities of coming out in the public eye and the challenges that individuals in the entertainment industry may face. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and support for LGBTQ individuals, regardless of their background or profession.