‘Sam & Cat’: Ariana Grande denies Jeannette McCurdy – Nickelodeon drama over money

Whoever thought that a children’s show would become such a hotbed of controversy like “Sam & Cat” has over the past week or so? Ever since Jeannette McCurdy was a no-show at the Kids’ Choice Awards last weekend, the news cycle has driven itself berserk with rumors regarding what is happening to the successful Nickelodeon comedy.

Here’s what we know for sure: Production recently finished on a huge first-season order, and there’s now a hiatus … which is a good thing, given statements that the cast is simply exhausted. There is no renewal for a second season, and given that McCurdy has many interest and Ariana Grande has a music career, this renewal could be difficult to arrange.

Now, this is where things get a little wacky, thanks mostly to rumors about why McCurdy is feuding with Nick. The most common story is that money is involved, and that Grande allegedly makes way more money than her on the show. However, Ariana herself personally took to her Twitter account and denied this was the case in a surprising honest move for a young star:

“I hate addressing rumors and I hate gossip but this is really bothering me. Jennette and I agreed upfront that we would be treated equally on this show in all regards (as we should be, considering we each work just as hard as the other on this show). The rumors circulating about our contracts and our salary not being equal are absolutely ridiculous and false. I don’t know who’s putting these idiotic quotes out there but I thought I’d straighten it out and try to end this nonsense. As far as the show goes, I don’t know what’s happening because I’m not directly involved with the problem but I just wanted to address this one rumor in particular because I am NOT making more money than my costar, nor do I think I should be. So we can all move on and get out of our heads that this was a money thing cause I don’t play like that at all. I am, have always been and always will be about equality and fairness.”

Whatever problem exists here, it will most-likely have to be played out behind closed doors in order for the show to come back. We feel like it most likely will at the end of the day, but given how much time either star has spent at Nick already, we’d be shocked if this show lasts anywhere near as long as “iCarly” did.

We’ll have more on this situation as it becomes available, but for now, sign up to get further updates from our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: Nickelodeon