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JoJo Siwa’s ascent to fame has been nothing short of remarkable, extending far beyond her initial breakthrough on Lifetime’s “Dance Moms.” At just 20 years old, her career has evolved into a multifaceted journey encompassing solo music endeavors, internet sensation status, and notable appearances in both film and television. Yet, alongside her soaring success, Siwa has also encountered her fair share of controversies, ranging from turbulent breakups with fellow TikTok personalities to heated conflicts with figures like Cameron Bure.
However, one of the most significant controversies surrounding Siwa surfaced in February 2024, casting a shadow over her career trajectory. It pertained to allegations of fostering a hostile work environment within her newly-established pop girl group, XOMG POP!. As a seasoned alumna of both “Dance Moms” and “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition,” Siwa found herself at the center of scrutiny as members of the group came forward with their grievances.
The exact nature of the allegations made by XOMG POP! members remains somewhat opaque, with details emerging gradually amidst a flurry of media attention. Nonetheless, the accusations suggest a troubling dynamic within the group’s training environment, raising concerns about the treatment of its members under Siwa’s leadership.
In response to the controversy, JoJo Siwa has navigated a delicate path, attempting to address the allegations while simultaneously upholding her public image. Her response has been closely scrutinized, with observers eager to discern her stance and actions regarding the matter. As the situation unfolds, Siwa faces the challenge of managing both the fallout from the allegations and the impact on her professional reputation.
The controversy surrounding JoJo Siwa and XOMG POP! underscores the complexities of navigating fame in the digital age, where the spotlight can illuminate both triumphs and tribulations with equal intensity. As Siwa grapples with the aftermath of these allegations, the public remains captivated, eagerly awaiting further developments and the resolution of this chapter in her ongoing journey.
The JoJo Siwa controversy, explained
The allegations against Jojo Siwa regarding the mistreatment of members of her pop girl group, XOMG POP!, echo similar accusations recently made against Jonathan Van Ness of “Queer Eye” fame. XOMG POP! was formed under the direction of Siwa and her mother, Jessalyn Siwa, as part of the reality TV competition “Siwas Dance Pop Revolution,” aired on E!.
The competition, which ran for a single season, featured girls from across the country vying for a spot in XOMG POP!, marketed as the next iteration of Kidz Bop and poised for chart-topping success. However, despite its innocent facade, reports from Rolling Stone shed light on allegations of mistreatment endured by participants in both “Dance Pop Revolution” and XOMG POP!.
The Rolling Stone report, published on February 13, draws from multiple sources closely associated with the production, detailing claims of grueling rehearsals, physical strain, and inadequate compensation for the young contestants. Leigha Sanderson, a former member of XOMG POP!, emerged as a prominent voice, alleging various instances of mistreatment, including coerced tears for the camera and a toxic environment characterized by rivalry among contestants.
Among Sanderson’s allegations is a disturbing account of being pressured to resume rehearsals shortly after surgery, foregoing proper recovery and risking her well-being. Sanderson further claims to have endured verbal insults from Jojo Siwa and Jessalyn, alongside other instances of mistreatment.
According to Rolling Stone, this toxic culture persisted even beyond the confines of the show’s filming, with contestants reportedly receiving candies and Nintendo Switch games as inadequate compensation. Allegations suggest that promises of fame and lucrative deals were dangled before contestants only to be met with disparagement during filming.
Sanderson’s mother, Anjie, bravely spoke out, highlighting instances of financial strain and exploitative practices, such as unpaid social media content and merch revenue. Anjie’s claims shed light on the dire circumstances faced by some participants, with one instance detailing her resorting to menial labor to make ends meet.
The aftermath of the Rolling Stone report saw vehement denials from Jessalyn and Siwa, with their lawyer dismissing Sanderson’s accusations as “100 percent provably false.” They instead pointed fingers at Anjie’s alleged abusive behavior as the catalyst for Leigha’s dismissal from XOMG POP!. The show’s production company similarly refuted the allegations, asserting that they contradict Siwa’s values.
Prior to the controversy, XOMG POP! had been steadily ascending in popularity, securing appearances on shows like “America’s Got Talent” and lining up live performances, a debut tour, and even a slot on a Royal Caribbean cruise. However, the allegations have cast a shadow over their success, marking yet another instance of Siwa embroiled in controversy, following her defense of Colleen Ballinger amid accusations of inappropriate online conduct last September.