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Following a series of shocking allegations regarding abuse at Nickelodeon, former child star Drake Bell is now turning his attention to another contentious issue: residuals. Bell, best known for his role in the hit show Drake & Josh, claims that “most” Nickelodeon stars don’t receive residuals for their work, painting a picture of a “flawed” and “evil, corrupt” system designed to protect the network rather than its young talent.

Bell's claims have ignited a firestorm of discussion within the entertainment industry and among fans of Nickelodeon shows from the late 90s and early 2000s. Residuals, payments made to performers for the continued use of their work in reruns and other media, are a standard practice in Hollywood – a vital source of income for many actors, particularly those who started their careers as children.

“I think ‘most’ Nickelodeon stars don’t get residuals,” Bell stated in a recent interview. “It’s a flawed system. They protect the child actors, but they don’t pay them.” He elaborated on the network’s practices, suggesting that the structure was intentionally designed to prevent actors from benefiting financially from the enduring popularity of their shows.

This latest revelation comes after Bell publicly discussed the emotional and psychological abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of a Nickelodeon executive during his time on the network. His openness about these experiences has resonated with many, prompting renewed scrutiny of the practices of major media corporations and the protections afforded to child performers.

The issue of residuals has been a long-standing point of contention within the entertainment industry. Actors' unions have fought for fair residual payments for decades, arguing that performers deserve compensation for the ongoing value they bring to a production. However, networks often argue that the costs of reruns and streaming rights are already substantial, and that further residual payments would be unsustainable.

Bell’s accusations raise serious questions about Nickelodeon’s treatment of its young stars and the fairness of the residual system. While the network has yet to officially respond to his claims, the allegations are likely to fuel further debate and potentially lead to increased pressure for reform. The ongoing conversation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the entertainment industry, ensuring that child actors are protected and fairly compensated for their contributions. Many are now wondering if other former Nickelodeon stars will come forward with similar stories, and what impact these revelations will have on the network’s reputation and future practices. The legal ramifications of Bell's claims, and whether other actors will join him in potential lawsuits, remain to be seen, but the spotlight on Nickelodeon’s past practices is undeniably shining brighter than ever.