Protecting Child Performers: A Reminder for Parents Navigating the Entertainment Industry
In the light of the new allegations against Diddy, I want to take a moment to check in with the parents in our community.
A lawsuit filed this week alleges that Sean Combs sexually assaulted a minor working as an actor in 2007. According to the filing, he was brought to a back room at a Hollywood Hills networking event under the promise of career opportunities.
Our industry runs on access and connections. Networking is one of the most valuable skills a performer can have. But it goes without saying that the natural power imbalance between adults and children in a professional setting creates the potential for abuse. Parents have to walk a fine line between advocating for and protecting their child, all while not becoming "the difficult parent." Knowing which opportunities are too good to pass up and which ones aren't worth the risk is, quite literally, an impossible task. So my recommendation is to stop trying.
The rules we put in place for our kids: studio teachers, welfare workers, sight and sound. They all exist for a reason. Producers, directors, stars, and executives might seem trustworthy (and most are!), but they are not school teachers or daycare professionals. They are not your friends or your family. They are business people.
All of this is to say that your child should never go anywhere without you, or be put in a situation you genuinely feel they cannot handle on their own. Blurring that line is how abuse happens.
If you're part of our organization or have been to any of our events, you know that the Minor Performer Alliance believes that growing up in the industry can actually be a great thing for a child, if handled correctly. I'm not here to fear monger or tell you that you cannot trust anyone. But you are your child's first and last line of defense. No opportunity, no matter how big or small, is worth your child's safety, health, or wellbeing.
We'll keep sharing resources on safe set practices and what to look for when your child is navigating professional spaces. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out.
The Minor Performer Alliance is a national nonprofit dedicated to the education, safety, health, and wellbeing of minors in the entertainment industry. Learn more at minorperformeralliance.org.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
Matt McGee
