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The JoJo Siwa controversy, explained

JoJo Siwa sustained her popularity long after her breakout appearance as part of Lifetime’s Dance Moms, with the 20-year-old’s career now spanning solo music, internet fame, and appearances in films and television shows. Naturally, Siwa’s meteoric rise to stardom has brought with it some negativity, from messy breakups with fellow TikTokers to feisty beefs with stars like Cameron Bure. 

Perhaps Siwa’s biggest controversy, however, arrived in Feb. 2024, when the Dance Moms and Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition alum was accused of creating a hostile work environment while training her newly-formed pop girl group, XOMG POP!. So just what are the group members alleging, and how has Siwa responded to the controversy?

The JoJo Siwa controversy, explained

In what reads like a similar version of allegations recently leveled against Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness, Jojo Siwa was accused of mistreating some members of her pop girl group, XOMG POP!. The group was assembled by Siwa alongside her mother and manager, Jessalyn Siwa, as part of Siwa’s reality TV competition, Siwas Dance Pop Revolution. 

That show, which aired for one season on E!, saw girls from across the country audition for Siwa in the hope of being selected for XOMG POP!, a girl band framed as the next version of Kidz Bop and destined for chart-topping status. Despite its innocent name, allegations about the treatment of those involved in both XOMG POP! and Siwas Dance Pop Revolution have since been reported by Rolling Stone. 

The report, published on February 13, includes multiple sources close to the production who allege that the children involved in Dance Pop Revolution were subject to grueling rehearsals, intense physical duress, and minimal compensation. One quoted source, an ex-member of XOMG POP! named Leigha Sanderson, made the majority of the accusations, claiming that Siwa and her mother forced children to cry on camera and created a cutthroat environment in which contestants were pitted against each other.

One of Sanderson’s accusations was that she was forced to continue rehearsing shortly after undergoing surgery, and was encouraged to wrap wounds and continue performing rather than being offered a rest break. It was alleged that Sanderson was told to return to filming the show before the physician-recommended recovery period and that she was the subject of verbal insults made by Siwa and Jessalyn. 

Rolling Stone reports that the toxic culture continued long after the cameras were down and that contestants were gifted candy and Nintendo Switch games as compensation for their poor treatment. It is alleged that Siwa and Jessalyn “dangled the carrot” of fame — including a toy deal and a movie — in front of the contestants, only to berate them while filming. 

Sanderson’s mother, Anjie, was the only parent of Siwas Dance Pop Revolution to go on the record — the others allegedly signed non-disclosure agreements — and her claims included that the children were not directly paid for social media content, brand deals, and merch revenue.

At one point, Anjie alleges that she was so low on funds that she started scrubbing toilets for Jessalyn for $20 an hour. The report claims that Leigha Sanderson was fired after her mother expressed her frustration about the toxic work culture, after which she begged Jessalyn to keep her daughter’s place in XOMG POP!. Sanderson is one of four of the original seven members in the XOMG POP! lineup to have left the group over the past year and a half.

For their part, Jessalyn and Siwa have vehemently denied the allegations. Responding through their lawyer to the Rolling Stone article, the Siwas said that Sanderson’s accusations are “100 percent provably false,” instead claiming that it was Anjie’s abusive behavior that led to Leigha’s removal from the group. The show’s production company also denied the allegations and said they go against “everything JoJo Siwa stands for.”

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Before the report, XOMG POP! had been enjoying a gradual rise to fame. The girl group appeared on America’s Got Talent and are scheduled for a slew of live performances, a debut tour, and a show on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The band has amassed hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, with a TikTok audience reaching 3.3 million followers. 

It marks the most recent instance in which Siwa was swept up in controversy. Last September, Siwa caught flack defending fellow internet personality Colleen Ballinger, following accusations that the latter had been involved in inappropriate online group chats with minors.

By: Tom Disalvo
Title: The JoJo Siwa controversy, explained
Sourced From: wegotthiscovered.com/celebrities/the-jojo-siwa-controversy-explained/
Published Date: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:12:13 +0000

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Manoj Bajpayee On Making 100th Film as Bhaiyya Ji Release Date Nears

Manoj Bajpayee Bhaiyya Ji release dateManoj Bajpayee Bhaiyya Ji (Photo Credit: Bhanushali Studios, SSO Productions and Aurega Studios)

As the release date of Manoj Bajpayee’s highly anticipated film Bhaiyya Ji draws near, the actor is not just preparing for another premiere but is marking a monumental milestone — his 100th film in the industry. This remarkable achievement comes with a mix of surprise and reflection for Bajpayee, who shared his thoughts on reaching this significant number in his illustrious career.

Manoj Bajpayee says ‘miracle’ on completing 100th film with Bhaiyya Ji

From Satya (1998) and Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) to The Family Man (2019) and Joram (2023), Manoj Bajpayee has come a long way with a string of iconic projects. Now, the actor is gearing up to release his 100th film in the industry. Fans and him alike are astonished by such a feat. 

In a recent conversation with Pinkvilla, Manoj Bajpayee shared his disbelief. It was when Bhaiyya Ji’s director Apoorv Singh Karki informed him about the milestone. “He told me one day, ‘Sir do you know that you have completed your 100 films’ and I was completely surprised,” said Bajpayee.

The actor described this moment as a “miracle,” reflecting on his humble beginnings and the unpredictability of his career path. “When I look back at the time when I first came to Mumbai, I never thought I’d even be able to do 10 films. But now see – I am 100 films down.”

Manoj Bajpayee attributes this unexpected milestone to a blend of several known and unknown factors. “It was just destiny, and destiny’s game and play. And I am happy that this is my 100th film. Because when I was growing up in Bihar, all the 70s commercial films used to mesmerize me,” he explained. This nostalgia is fitting as Bhaiyya Ji will showcase Bajpayee embracing a full-circle moment. The actor will adopt a mass-market action hero persona reminiscent of those early inspirations.

As the countdown to the release begins, the excitement among fans is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates!

The post Manoj Bajpayee On Making 100th Film as Bhaiyya Ji Release Date Nears appeared first on ComingSoon.net – Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.

By: Devanshi Basu
Title: Manoj Bajpayee On Making 100th Film as Bhaiyya Ji Release Date Nears
Sourced From: www.comingsoon.net/indian/news/1722261-manoj-bajpayee-on-making-100th-film-as-bhaiyya-ji-release-date-nears
Published Date: Thu, 16 May 2024 11:30:59 +0000

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Who plays Missy in ‘Young Sheldon’?

Young Sheldon is about, well, a young version of Sheldon Cooper. It’s right there in the title. The sitcom has been on the air for seven seasons, however, so the writers and producers have clearly managed to do a good job in fleshing out the rest of the Cooper family. One of the most essential pieces of the show’s success has been Sheldon’s sister, Missy Cooper.

Missy has become a fan favorite during Young Sheldon‘s CBS run, despite having already been introduced in its predecessor show, The Big Bang Theory. She’s a perfect foil for the precocious genius, bringing a different perspective to the family household that helps Sheldon grow. Even if the siblings do get on each other’s nerves from time to time. Young Sheldon recently aired its series finale, which has been cause for fans to reflect, appreciate, and enjoy the talented people who brought it to life. One of these talents is, of course, the actress who plays Missy.

Sheldon Cooper’s sister is played by Raegan Revord

Raegan Revord, Annie Potts, Iain Armitage, Montana Jordan, Lance Barber, and Zoe Perry as Missy, Connie, Sheldon, Georgie, George Cooper Sr, and Mary in 'Young Sheldon'Image via CBS

Raegan Revord has played Missy Cooper for the duration of Young Sheldon. She has played the character for almost half her life, as she’s currently 16 years and old and she was cast when she was only 9. She was initially introduced as the cute comic relief to Sheldon’s storylines, but the older she got, the more Revord was allowed to showcase her acting chops.

Young Sheldon showrunner Steve Holland reflected on this maturation during an interview with People Magazine. He noted that the actress was relegated to “one-line zingers” at the onset, but the writers gave her subplots that actually challenged her as she got more screen time.

“We could really lean on [Revord] for a whole story or an emotional story, and it just opened up the kind of things that we could write,” Holland noted. “And I think it let the show kind of grow up with the kids, where the stories we could tell could get a little bit more adult and a little bit deeper as the show went on.”

Revord’s lengthy involvement with the show has led to long-lasting friendships. She told the outlet that she considers her onscreen siblings to be like real siblings, and she plans to remain close with them despite Young Sheldon no longer being on the air:

We’re telling people, ‘Yeah, we’re actually brother and sister,’ and I love it I actually now have my own brothers.

Revord is hesitant to return for the spinoff series

Image via CBS

The Big Bang Theory has really proved to have legs as a franchise. The show not only sparked the wildly successful Young Sheldon, but the upcoming spinoff George & Mandy’s First Marriage. The latter will continue the storyline of the titular characters after Young Sheldon, which has led many fans to question whether Raegan Revord and the rest of the cast will return for cameos.

The actress told TV Line that she’s reluctant to step back into the shoes of Missy Cooper so soon. Her reasoning? She wants to try different things. “I’m not sure,” she admitted. “I mean, if Young Sheldon had gotten more seasons, I would have 10,000% signed on to do more. But now that it’s over, I’m also kind of excited to see what else is out there and try different things. Something dramatic would be a lot of fun.”

Revord is not limiting herself to acting, either. The multitalented artist is currently working on her debut novel, Rules for Fake Girlfriends, which is set for release in fall 2025.

By: Danilo Castro
Title: Who plays Missy in ‘Young Sheldon’?
Sourced From: wegotthiscovered.com/tv/who-plays-missy-in-young-sheldon/
Published Date: Thu, 16 May 2024 11:00:16 +0000

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Alaya F Movies List: Srikanth, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Freddy & More

Alaya F's FilmographyAlaya F's Filmography (Photo Credit: Pooja Entertainments & AA Films)

In recent years, actress Alaya F has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. She has captivated audiences with her stellar performances across a myriad of genres. From heartwarming dramas to adrenaline-pumping thrillers, she has demonstrated her versatility and depth as an actress. Let’s explore her diverse range:

Srikanth

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Her latest release is Srikanth, directed by Tushar Hiranandani. Alaya F portrays a pivotal role alongside Rajkummar Rao. The film chronicles the extraordinary journey of Srikanth Bolla, a visually-impaired industrialist who defied all odds to establish Bollant Industries. Through her portrayal, Alaya F brings to life the resilience and determination of Veera Swathi, Srikanth’s wife. Alaya’s performance adds emotional depth to the narrative.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan

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The action-packed sci-fi thriller Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, sees Alaya as Pam. Alaya F shares the screen with an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Her presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the film. The film is about two former soldiers reunited to thwart an imminent national threat. Her dynamic performance elevates the film’s adrenaline-fueled action sequences and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Freddy

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Freddy is a gripping psychological thriller directed by Shashanka Ghosh. In Freddy, Alaya F explores the complexities of the human psyche alongside co-star Kartik Aaryan. Alaya plays Kainaaz, a seemingly innocent but cunning woman embroiled in a crime. She navigates the dark corridors of the mind with poise and intensity. Through her nuanced performance, Alaya immerses viewers in a world of suspense and intrigue.

Jawaani Jaaneman

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In Nitin Kakkar’s Jawaani Jaaneman, Alaya F makes her Hindi film debut. She featuresalongside industry legends Saif Ali Khan and Tabu. She delivers a standout performance as Khan’s daughter. Alaya’s role adds a layer of emotional depth to the film’s narrative. Her portrayal of a young woman struggling with the revelation of her father’s existence and impending pregnancy has earned her praise from audiences and critics alike.

U-turn

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A post shared by Alaya F (@alayaf)

In the spine-chilling supernatural thriller U-Turn, directed by Arif Khan, Alaya F takes on the role of Radhika. Radhika is a news intern involved in a maze of mystery and suspense. With her fearless portrayal, she follows the eerie corridors of the unknown, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn. Through her strong presence and unwavering resolve, she leads audiences on a gripping journey into the heart of darkness, leaving them spellbound by her performance.

Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat

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Alaya F embarks on a journey of unrequited love and social barriers in the honest musical drama Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat, crafted by director Anurag Kashyap. Paired opposite newcomer Karan Mehta, she infuses her character with vulnerability and depth, capturing the essence of raw emotion and romantic longing. Through her evocative performance, she explores themes of social inequality and personal sacrifice, relating with audiences on a profound emotional level.

Alaya F’s diverse filmography and exceptional talent continue to impress audiences, making her as one of Bollywood’s most promising young actresses. As she continues to explore new horizons, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in her amazing career.

The post Alaya F Movies List: Srikanth, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Freddy & More appeared first on ComingSoon.net – Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.

By: Debmitra Chatterjee
Title: Alaya F Movies List: Srikanth, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Freddy & More
Sourced From: www.comingsoon.net/indian/news/1718401-alaya-f-movies-list-srikanth-bade-miyan-chote-miyan-freddy-more
Published Date: Thu, 16 May 2024 11:57:02 +0000

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