Jojo Siwa Alleges Nickelodeon Blackballing After Coming Out as LGBTQ+

Jojo Siwa, the former star of "Dance Moms," has alleged that Nickelodeon "blackballed" her following her coming out as LGBTQ+ in 2021. In her upcoming Hulu documentary, "Child Star," Siwa recounts a troubling response from the network after she publicly identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community. She claims that a network representative advised her to reassure retail partners, such as Target and Claire's, that she was "not going crazy" after her announcement. Nickelodeon has firmly denied Siwa's allegations, with a spokesperson stating they are "unaware of the incident" she references and asserting that she was "certainly not blackballed." Siwa, who identifies as pansexual and prefers the term "queer," expressed her happiness with the support she has received since coming out, stating, "I think this is the first time that I've felt so personally happy." In a previous reflection on her experience, Siwa hinted at her dissatisfaction with Nickelodeon's response, noting that after her coming out, the company requested an urgent meeting with her. She emphasized her commitment to authenticity, stating she had no intention of hiding her identity, which reportedly displeased the network's president. Siwa also addressed her absence from the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, clarifying that it was not her choice to miss the event. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by young stars navigating their identities.