Dora the Explorer Actress Files Lawsuit Against Nickelodeon
Dora the Explorer is Not Allowed to Grow Up Apparently
Caitlin's parents are claiming that the contract they were forced to sign with Nickelodeon was overly complex, and that the young actress was underpaid for the work that she did. As a result they have filed a lawsuit against Nickelodeon, MTV and Viacom Consumer Products in New York County Court.
In a statement to the press, Nickelodeon said "The claims being made are baseless. Unfortunately, Caitlin's voice changed and she was no longer able to portray the Dora character, as happened with the actress who originated the role. Caitlin's contract was extensively negotiated through her agent and in compliance with her union. She was well-compensated for her work and for personal appearances. We have enjoyed working with Caitlin on Dora the Explorer these past three years, and we did in fact offer her a contract for other work with us.".
The lawsuit filed by Caitlin states that "MTV Networks made her sign a "bizarre, impenetrable, unconscionable" contract, "swindling" her of hundreds of millions of dollars in residuals, merchandising fees, promotions and recordings", this coming at a time when Caitlin was only 12, and her family were pressured into signing the contract without having an attorney present.
Caitlin's is also claiming that her agent only sent her mother a final copy of the contract less than half an hour before the signing deadline, which did not give them adequate time to read the small print.
Under the terms of the contract, she ended up having to work hundreds of hours promoting the show for free, with nothing apart from $40 a day to cover expenses.
If Caitlin wins her lawsuit, it could be worth a lot of money, since Dora The Explorer reruns are shown at least two dozen times a week, and the show has made billions of dollars.
This could prove to be an interesting lawsuit.
Sources:
Published by Tony Payne
Tony Payne is a freelance writer who lives on the South Coast of England with his wife Debbie. He has worked in the IT Industry all his life, and has been writing on various sites for the last 10 years. T... View profile
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20 Comments
Post a CommentOf COURSE they're ripping her off. Making billions of dollars in merchandising fees and paying her $40 a day for appearances!!
Even here in Thailand actresses and models make thousands of dollars a day for public appearances. Just another big American corporation stiffing the little guy.
I knew this was going to happen. I just knew it. I felt it in me bones!
These days, you never know who is telling the truth.
I do understand they'd have to replace her if her voice changed, but it also looks like they did take advantage of her. She should indedd be paid for promotions, and should get a cut of the mechandising fees.
Lawsuits of this nature are often baseless, but I'm feeling like this time the plaintiff has a legitimate complaint. I hope the actress wins this.
Interesting! I disagree with the lawsuit craze here in USA but I really hope that justice will be done!
Good report.
very interesting article-my daughter loves Dora
Excellent story, Tony. Thanks!
What a story.