“Isn’t it horrifying to say there’s a casting couch for children and there is,” said Alison Angrim. Best known for her role as the spit-fire Nellie on Little House on the Prairie, Angrim says predators have been abusing child actors for decades. “This is standard practice,” said Angrim.
More and more kids are flocking to Hollywood today hoping to catch their first big break. And many of today’s A-list celebs started out the same way. Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio all landed roles as child actors before finding fame.
But just how safe is it for child actors working in Hollywood today?
Since 2000 prosecutors have charged over a dozen men working in Hollywood with child molestation and possession of child porn, leading many to wonder if Tinsel Town has a pedophile problem.
For years Marty Weiss managed dozens of young actors, getting them roles on shows like Nickelodeon’s iCarly and Disney’s Good Luck Charlie. But 10 months ago Weiss was arrested after a young actor accused Weiss of molesting him over 30 times – starting when he was just 11 years old.
“It is some of the most horrific child abuse I have ever seen,” said Anne Henry, the co-founder of BizParents – a non-profit child actors’ advocacy group.
An INSIDE EDITION producer caught up with Weiss shortly after he finished serving six months in jail.
“Excuse me Mr. Weiss. I’ m with INSIDE EDITION,” said the IE producer.
“No comment,” Weiss retorted.
“Did you get a job in Hollywood just so you could get access to young kids?” asked the IE Producer.
But Weiss wasn’t interested in talking and walked off.
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