Grande denies that Jennette McCurdy's feud with Nickelodeon is caused by money issue, claiming that she and her co-star receive an equal salary.
- Apr 5, 2014
AceShowbiz - Ariana Grande has spoken up regarding Jennette McCurdy's feud with Nickelodeon which has put production of their show "Sam & Cat" on hiatus. In a lengthy statement posted on Twitter, the "Baby I" singer states, "I hate addressing rumors and I hate gossip but this is really bothering me."
She then denies that the behind-the-screnes drama between McCurdy and Nickelodeon was caused by money issue. She says, "Jennette and I agreed upfront that we would be treated equally on this show in all regards. The rumors circulating about our contracts and our salary not being equal are absolutely ridiculous and false."
The 20-year-old further stresses, "I don't know who's putting these idiotic quotes out there but I thought I'd straighten it out and try to end this nonsense... I just wanted to address this one rumor in particular because I am NOT making more money than my costar, nor do I think I should be. So we can all move on and get out of our heads that this was a money thing cause I don't play like that at all. I am, have always been and always will be about equality and fairness."
Reports that there's a beef between McCurdy and Nickelodeon emerged after the actress didn't attend the Kids' Choice Awards last Saturday, March 29 where "Sam & Cat" became one of the big winners. Explaining her absence in a series of tweets, she wrote, "I was put in an uncomfortable, compromising, unfair situation (many of you have guessed what it is) and I had to look out for me. I chose to not go because sticking up for what is right and what is fair is what my mom taught me is ALWAYS the most important thing."
"I wish I could explain everything as thoroughly as I would like to, but unfortunately a simpler explanation is all I can write," she said. McCurdy denied that she was feuding with Grande and insisted that her absence had nothing to do with her leaked racy pictures. "My previous tweet has nothing to do with pics leaked. It has to do with how Nickelodeon treated me. That's all," she insisted.
TMZ later reported that McCurdy was unhappy that she made less money than her co-star Grande. She reportedly has been trying to seek a pay raise but to no avail so far.
Nickelodeon responded to the claim as saying, "We have nothing but the utmost respect for Jennette and her talent." The network has put the production of 40-episode season 1 on hiatus to "give everyone on the show a much needed rest."
