Ariana Grande slammed rumors that she is feuding with Jennette McCurdy, her "Sam & Cat" costar, over salary issues. There were rumors that the two were bickering following a TMZ report that Grande was getting paid "way more" money to do the Nickelodeon show.
On Thursday (Apr. 3) the "Honeymoon Avenue" singer took to Facebook to dismiss the alleged feud.
"I hate addressing rumors and I hate gossip but this is really bothering me," Grande said. "Jennette and I agreed upfront that we would be treated equally on this show in all regard (as we should be, considering we each work just as hard as the other on this show). The rumors circulating about our contracts and 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," she continued. "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."
Rumors began circulating that there was a major issue between McCurdy and Nickelodeon when she bailed on the Kids' Choice Awards. The 21-year-old actress was scheduled to make an appearance and was even nominated for an award.
"Sam & Cat" raked in a few awards including wins for Favorite TV Show and Favorite TV Actress for Grande. The show's creator, Dan Schneider, also won a Lifetime Achievement Award. McCurdy's absence did not go unnoticed and had a lot of people buzzing.
She took to Twitter to explain why she decided not to show up. McCurdy tweeted that it was because of "how Nickelodeon treated me" and had nothing to do with her leaked racy pictures.
"A lot of you guys are asking why I didn't attend the KCAs. I wish I could explain everything as thoroughly as I would like to, but unfortunately a simpler explanation is all I can write," she continued. "I was put in an uncomfortable, compromising, unfair situation (many of you have guessed what it is) and I had to look out for me."
McCurdy said she decided not to attend because she wanted to stick up "for what is right and what is fair."
"My previous tweet has nothing to do with pics leaked. Oh you guys lol," she added.
"Sam & Cat," which is the network's highest-rated series, has not been renewed for a second season. Deadline reports that it was recently put on a "permanent hiatus" because of drama on set. Sources told the site that both Grande and McCurdy would often show up late; McCurdy has been dealing with a few personal issues including her ex-boyfriend allegedly leaking sexy pictures of her and Grande has seen her music career suddenly take off.
There was also talk that they both ladies felt "constrained" at the kids-focused network.
