‘dance Moms’ Star Reveals Stark Pay Disparity, years After Contract Signing
A former cast member of the Lifetime reality series Dance Moms is shedding light on significant financial inequities experienced during the show’s seven-season run, revealing a stark contrast between her earnings and those of her co-star, Abby.
The performer, now a UCLA graduate, detailed how the network exploited a contract clause extending potential employment to seven seasons – the maximum allowable term in the entertainment industry if a series is renewed. Years into the show’s production, she recounts being subjected to Abby’s boasts about earning $20,000 per episode. simultaneously occurring, she wrote, “We were working overtime and not making half of that. I wouldn’t even be able to pay for college tuition wiht what I’d made from Dance Moms.”
Seven seasons is a common maximum contract length in television,providing networks adaptability in renewing or canceling shows. This clause can sometimes disadvantage performers in long-running series.
The disparity, while frustrating, didn’t lead to public outcry at the time.The performer noted she didn’t dwell on the situation, even when a raise secured ahead of the seventh and final season was mirrored for her fellow cast members.
“I can’t pretend that I wasn’t upset,” she wrote, adding that by that point, all of the original cast members had departed the show. “I was the only OG left. My seniority and dedication to the show throughout the years should have resulted in a certain level of respect.”
reality television contracts often contain complex clauses regarding compensation and future earnings. Performers should seek legal counsel before signing any agreements.
The revelation underscores the often-unequal power dynamics within reality television, where contracts and compensation can vary dramatically even among individuals contributing to the same program. The experience highlights the challenges faced by young performers navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry and the potential for exploitation within long-term contracts.
The performer’s identity has not been publicly released, but her account has sparked renewed discussion about fair labor practices in the reality TV sector.While she did not pursue legal action at the time, she hopes sharing her experience will empower others to advocate for themselves. The show concluded in 2019 after seven seasons, with Abby Lee Miller facing legal troubles during its final years, contributing to the departure of original cast members and ultimately the show’s end.
