If you are struggling with any of the issues mentioned in this video, there are helpful resources in the resources doc in the description of this video (also you are loved and not alone 💜)

The similarities in stories between Demi, Alyson Stoner, Jennette McCurdy, Amanda Bynes, and so many others just shows that this is a much bigger issue than we realize

The fact that Disney doesn’t have measures in place to prevent these consequences is maddening. Disney is basically a mill for child actors and there’s never some kind of safety net for them.

I honestly think the difference between Miley and demi is that Miley wasn’t the entire financial support of her family, and she had people in her life that understood the industry and supported her being herself. I truly feel for demi.

Somehow, Wilmer Valderrama pops up in several stories of young female stars who were very vulnerable. Mandy Moore (who again landed in the cycle of abuse in her later marriage to Ryan Adams), Lindsay Lohan and Demi Lovato all dated this man when they were minors or barely 18. To quote Demi 'I feel like that says it all'. All the women mentioned have struggled in their personal lives as well as in the industry, while the men keep thriving and see little to no consequences.

i can't imagine how difficult it is to produce long-form content so well-researched in such a short space of time.

These child stars that ACTUALLY come out and speak their truth is GUT WRENCHING. I feel terrible about actually idolizing them and wanting their lives when I was a kid

I’m still shocked at the fact that like 4 different people have come out about shit they went through as child actors and nobody has done anything about it. This is insane

I have a hard time liking Demi due to her actions, but I do feel that my heart has softened towards her knowing the horrible trauma she’s gone through. No one deserves that. I hope she keeps on the path toward healing and happiness.

Its so sad to learn that the people that were your idols growing up were living in absolute misery. At the time I was well aware that they had to live by very strict rules but no way would I ever have guessed they were exploited the whole time. Even more heartbreaking that they gave millions of kids so much happiness while being denied theirs.

Demi Lovato spoke up about mental health before it was mainstream and popular. And she also opened up about her addiction

I grew up with this era of Disney and loved Demi's music and everything she starred in. I'm in my late 20s now and I was gobsmacked when you said that everything I remembered her doing happened in the span of *two years*?? That's so insane and heartbreaking to hear a literal child being stretched so thin. It's no wonder they had such a bad mental break, how could any adult in her life be shocked

I don’t feel like she “escaped” the Disney curse.

I feel so bad for Demi, and other people who are constantly picked apart on the Internet who are obviously dealing with mental health issues and trauma.

Demi's story is hearbreaking and it makes me think of the kids that are being exploited on family vlogging channels. Their lives are controlled, they work everyday (yes, it's work even if their parents claim it isn't), they don't get paid for their work but the money they help generate supports their family. In the few instances where family channels have removed their kids from their content, their views (and corresponding income) has dropped so the kids soon end up back in the vlogs. The kids participation is what pays for the roof over their head and puts food on the table. All the while having their every childhood tantrum and mistake blasted on the internet; no happy moment shared privately with their family; having sickos watching them; having people passing judgement on them. So messed up.

It’s so sad that virtually none of the executives at disney or nickelodeon take responsibility for their actions ruining or heavily negatively affecting young childrens lives

I can’t believe her team thought that that amount of control would help. Addiction/controlling behaviour STEMS from something. Why can’t people understand that. You can’t deal with this shit on the surface level. “Just stop drinking.” Right. Trying to stop an addict/alcoholic in this way is gonna make them feel more a freak, alienated, isolated and misunderstood.

I feel like so many child stars end up becoming the breadwinners of their families, and that's just so crazy to me. I just feel like even if your child is earning lots of money from acting/singing/whatever, it should still be the parent's responsibility to provide for them and care for them (I know that obviously there are circumstances where parents struggle to be able to afford the costs of living, but even then i still feel like the responsibility shouldn't be handed over to the child/ren)

her background makes the Big Chill situation make so much sense. growing up without a parent, with peer bullying, all while working harder than any of them and being the breadwinner of her family. it makes sense that she thinks the world is out to get her. the world hasn't treated her very well. this is why people say fame is a deal with the devil

As an addict in recovery, I relate so damn much to Demi. I know a lot of people don’t like her and of course Idk her in person but I always feel like addiction plays so much into her negative side because it’s the same for me. Any time I’m in active addiction, it’s so hard to not be selfish and stand off-ish & it’s so easy to do bad things and convince myself it’s “all okay.” Then the guilt eats me inside out and would make me use more. When I’m clean, I’m kind & nothing makes me happier than making others happy, especially those I love. I hope to be clean for the rest of my life but as an addict who has relapsed off and on for the last 8 years, I know I could screw up any moment & that’s what keeps me grounded. All I want is to be a great mom, wife, daughter, and person. I’m currently working on that while working full time and going to college at 7 months pregnant so that I can give my kids and husband the best version of me and best version of life that they deserve. I’ve been clean for 9 months officially because my last relapse lasted a couple weeks but aside from that, I’ve lived the better part of 3 years clean. It’s really hard because I have chronic illnesses that have me in pain 24/7 and my mental health is a wreck but I’m doing my best. My kids and my husband deserve my best. I am doing it for them and I will continue to do it for them, always and forever.

Every other day there's a viral tweet about Demi's music and people criticize her for lack of consistency, meanwhile she's been fighting for her life. Addiction is no joke. We should have more empathy.

I'm 24 and when I see a 17 year old I'm just "that's a literal child. Damn was I that cringey?" I know couples 10 years apart but they were both established adults when they got together.

Can you imagine how messed up we’d all be if we got everything we want as a teen? It actually applies to everyone.

As a bipolar person, I do wish you touched upon her bipolar diagnosis. Even though she believes she was misdiagnosed, it actually explains a bit of her behavior then AND now.

I’m not a fan of some of things Demi has done (like using social media to attack that yogurt shop), but that doesn’t invalidate all her suffering. I wish her the best.

I think the previous management team that was abusing Demi should be held accountable for the years of torture they put her through. I'm talking legal actions. If it was a regular person being treated this way by a legal guardian, the abuser would land up in prison. Why is it any different, if it's also about literally trafficking a kid into being a cash cow for a whole team of adults. It's outrageous.

My mom is friends with Demi’s stepdad because they went to high school together in Dallas. It was hard to hear that she was going through so many things that the rest of the world wasn’t aware of at the time. I never shared any of her experiences that my mom told me because I don’t know her personally and didn’t want to air out her issues to strangers, but her stepdad is a genuine man who really loves her.

Her internal realizations about her age & her history, remind me of my daughter, who is 28 now, reflecting on the relationship with her daughter's father, who is closer to my age than to her age. She's realizing that all her justifications about the age difference, were very immature, & she realizes that she had a flawed understanding of those dynamics. I know that many women have gone through that, where so many men still think its great & acceptable, but the older I've gotten, the more f**ked up it is to think about.

Demi is one of those artists that a lot of people aren’t fans of given her odd behavior, but know has a lot of potential and kinda root for. It’s a mix. And knowing what she went through, can’t help but feel for her. Hopefully she gets back in the next 5 years. She’s young, still got a lot of talent. She can still make it back.

I was drinking wine, crying, and feeling seen by Demi's story. I don't have an addiction as intense as Demi's, but I definitely have a reliance on substances to help me through this tough patch in my life. It encouraged me to face my pain and my habits more. Love your content. Thank you for the work you do. Always wishing you and your family the very, very best.

“Name something in a kid’s mouth” what an odd question??

I was drawing while watching this!! Long videos like these are so great for creatives- they give you the time to zone out and immerse yourself in your work while listening to something thoughtful/ interesting. I turn to your channel a lot whenever I’m feeling creative for this reason!

Her new album feels like such a comeback. I feel bad for disliking and hating on Demi (and most celebrities) for very petty things without knowing how difficult their life is.

Ur one of best creators on here. Absolutely elite. Ur morals and ethics NEVER waiver. I wish I was as graceful as u. Thank you for all ur hard work

Honestly, Demi is a human being. I had that exact same traumatic event happen to me. I suppose that's why I feel so much empathy towards Demi.

I’ve grown up listening to and watching Demi’s work. I know that they’ve had issues that were caused by predatory people in the industry. I hope she’s alright now. They deserve so much better. I’m sorry Demi, but I hope you’re at least somewhat better. 💜

one of the many reasons why i love Demi so much is how open they are about their mental health and their struggles. I remember when she ODed and hearing the news made me cry and i was so worried for her. Now listening to her new album and just healing herself through her music only solidifies how strong this person is. Thanks for making this beautiful doc about someone who inspires me everyday to always put myself first and realize its okay to not be okay.

I agree with "your triggers are not my responsibilities". But I advocate for empathy towards people who get triggered by that. Chosing kindness will always be the best way

I feel for her a lot. As a teen I struggled with an ED too. I cant imagine this being amplified by fame and workload. She is incredibly talented, I feel so sorry for her and her struggles with substanzze and ed

Demi is such a strong person. They've been through so much and I'm so happy they're still with us. The amount of shit that she's had to endure from childhood even until recent is absolutely insane. I appreciate how open and honest they are about the struggles theyve had and that its something they're continuing to work on. I wish Demi nothing but peace and happiness🖤.

Just finished the vid while at work maintaining a line of cells. Great work as always! I'm glad you covered Demi's struggles. She was one of the few big child stars I hadn't heard the full story of but now I can see and acknowledge just another terrible situation and tragic victim of childhood fame. 🌹

I'm not directing this at Madison but to people who have experienced SA: Being violated in that way is abusive and does not affect someone's "virginity." I know in purity culture (or at least what I grew up with and have seen) this is something a lot of young people blame themselves over but assault is not the same thing. Much love to anyone that has experienced anything like that and hope you are taking care of yourself the best you can ❤️

i am a demi lovato defender. they have been through too much for the internet to be so violent towards them. the way people constantly make fun of their self harm and overdoses when they make a mistake… i’ve never seen the internet treat a celebrity the way they do demi lovato.

watched this while cleaning my bathroom and i loved your nuanced, researched, and compassionate take as a long time fan & someone who relates to a lot of demi’s struggles 💜

I grew up watching Demi on Disney and have gone through a transformation as a result of my own struggles over the years. Demi’s performance of her song Anyone at the Grammys in 2020 happened at a time when I was also feeling an intense loneliness and need for, well, anyone to help me. I don’t want to contribute in any way to pressure on Demi, she deserves to be relieved from that and so much more. I do, however, respect and thank her for doing that performance because it actually felt like someone understood me for once. I needed to hear that performance in 2020. Thank you for making this video about them, my hope is that more people can listen to her music and know that there are people out there who understand them and empathize with Demi’s struggles.

I was bf my baby and eating, while enjoying your content about Demi. I feel her mom should be held more accountable in all this. Demi even said she/they reached out to her sobbing due to exhaustion. Demi seems quick to blame her dad for being an addict and leaving, but why wasn’t her mom trying to get her help with coping with the paid associated with having an addict as a parent? Instead, she/they were forced into beauty pageants, then tv/stardom… 🤔

I always felt bad for Demi, especially when dealing with mental health issues. It was always creepy how much the media obsesses about child stars

I have watched so many docs on Demi but can never say no to one of your videos. It helped my work around my studio and get things done that I’ve been putting off.

I love the way you do your videos - they are well researched without judgment or bias, but you still appropriately inject your perspectives at the perfect time. your voice is also so soothing! I’m a new subscriber and excited to see what else you come out with. In the mean time, i’m binging the rest of your videos!

That same 30 y/o dated Mandy Moore and Lindsay Lohan 16-18 y/o, I'd call that a pattern of behaviour

its so heart breaking that basically every child star has a story of how the adults in their lives who are supposed to protect them put money above everything else including the kid's health. I can't wrap my head around it, if you take care of them as a child and a person, they can continue to be successful in the long term and everyone wins. and yet time and time again these adults choose profit in the short term and fail to give the support that is needed for a child actor to grow up protected and healthy. for answering your ending question, I watched while making art for a kpop voting app lmao :]

I remember , being 17 years old , and making my 25 year old boyfriend burn me a copy of Don't Forget . 15 years later , I'm screaming 29 at her show , beside my best friend 🖤 I can't wait to see what else she does .

You are a blessing and such a wonderful soul!! KZfaq's community is truly blessed to have you!! What a precious one you are! Thank you so much for your effort, dedication and hard work to gift us such absolutely brilliant, I'll name them documentaries!! And then how you raise awareness about so many important things! THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! Much much love and appreciation from the Croatian friend in Germany 🤗

I think there's so much bad/out-of-date information and ignorance about addiction and the recovery process. Its no wonder that Demi struggled so much. She likely has a lot of unresolved trauma and grief that fuels her addictive processes. Until she heals that, her "sobriety" will be very difficult to sustain.

I love your voice and I'm not surprised people have you running in the background. I actually didn't think I would make it through the whole video, but it wasn't hard at all. Great work!!

I’ve been knocking out tons of my graphic design work while listening to you! Great video

i love your nuanced takes in your videos. im not a fan of demi because of their problematic actions, but nonetheless the exploitation she experienced is wrong

You had my full attention lol. I was sitting on my bed with my dog watching this. My daughters grew up watching Demi and listened to her music. One is still a huge fan of hers. While I did know some things, some I didn't know so thank you for this well researched, in depth look at the life of a tough woman who's clearly been thru it and hopefully she stays safely on the other side ❤️.

Your voice is so easy to listen to. You speak so clearly and calmly and are very thorough. Well done!

I usually listen to your videos while working at the office. Helps get me through my shift. Wonderful as always, keep it up!

after growing up and seen how many of the actors tells about the horror of disney, i'm thankful everytime one escape and speaks up.. Demi has overcome so much, and seeing them being genuine happy most likely helped so many

child stardom is so dangerous.... i hope the situation changes for the better somehow, because we can't just have so many people be traumatised because of it

I was organizing my rocks/ minerals /crystals while I listened to this. Need to watch a few more to even start to come close to finishing but it helped me stay on task. Interesting and you always do a great job of presenting a deep dive with respect and compassion. Unfortunately it's a story we hear way too often when it comes to child stars. I hope she stays on track because it sounds like she did some damage to her body and it may not hold up if she uses again. She got lucky and was given a second chance many others don't get.

just wanted to say how much i appreciate all the obvious effort and time you put into your videos. they are always very well-researched, thought out, and understanding, and you handle sensitive topics and stories with extreme empathy and respect. massive kudos to you. you're one of the few creators that consistently puts up top tier content.

So sad how badly Disney treats all it's employees, but especially their child stars. Drawing and unpacking from a long day at the Space Center.

You and Sloan are my 2 favorite channels to watch for this kind of content, I really enjoy watching your videos and find them super informative and presented very well! Love your hair and lip!! Thank you for all your hard work 🙌

She really is a survivor for all she went through...My heart breaks for young Demi...hope she can find her peace. ❤️‍🩹

Today I worked on art while watching/listening to your video! I usually do art, play games, or work on online college. Thank you again for a well produced and thoughtful video! Take care.

Your last comment on how Demi shouldn’t be a role model for sobriety was really poignant. I wonder if they keep feeling the need to be a role model as a result of their days at Disney. Also, while I was watching your video I was cooking 😊

i watched a lot of your older videos and was FLASHED by your stunning hair?? omg?? excited to watch this while eating dinner, thank you!

Absolutely love putting your videos on in the background as I’m drawing! Your voice is so calming and whenever I can’t pick a music playlist I just pick one of your vids at random to watch👍💞!

Demi was such a huge inspiration to me when I was younger and even as I grow older she has so many important messages that break my heart and I can relate to. We both struggled w self harm and EDs. We both had alcoholic fathers and found our ways to cope. And obviously as we both grew up I dropped tabs on her but I would always say I loved her...even through all the addiction struggles she had. Addiction doesnt make someone a bad person. It makes them vulnerable and they need help. Months ago when I heard 29 I was crying. In the time that I have stepped away from her I have been SA multiple times by multiple men. As a 17 who was used by a 24, a 18 year old who was used by a 26, and by a 19 being used by a 23...it is heartbreaking yet uplifting to know I am not alone. I am only 22 now...havent reached the age of any of my abusers but I know that their is no one I could have been w someone as young as that. Its disgusting and upsetting to think it is so common. Demi is my role model even through her struggles. She's a hero to us who fought at a young age and still could be fighting💕

You’re such a unique creator, love how in depth you go while being sensitive and also your voice is soothing :))) lol tysm for all you do! Also I listen while doing long commutes to work and also while I am in the office!

Demi Lovato has always been one of my favorite artists. And I totally understand all of the criticisms against her questionable actions. But sometimes it really hurts to see people making fun of their traumatic experiences, continually misgendering (even before she came out with being okay w/ she/her pronouns), all justified with "shes not gonna see any of these" or "theyre cringe that's why they deserve it". And at some point, saying "leave them alone" doesn't feel enough.

I was getting ready for work while watching this, I basically knew all the facts you presented, but still so shocking when it’s all put into a timeline. I really feel for Demi and hope they live a healthier life now

I was running errands while having you play in the background!

i felt connected to demi growing up, the only person i saw speak on mental health, etc. this was so interesting , i love your videos! (i'm painting on a bag while watching!)

Demi's dark past is scary. If she didn't deal with Disney's shady ways, we would be talking about Demi Lovato in the same length as Ariana Grande. BTW, i wonder if Cruel World will cover Ariana in a future documentary.

I’m always drawing when I watch your videos! I need to have something on in the background to focus, but it has to be something interesting. Love your content!

The fact that a lot of those stars had their childhoods stolen from them is tragic. Also, I enjoy watching your videos while I work on my project.

The level of care you take in editing is so impressive. Love your videos so much. It's very authentic and real .something I crave.

as an addict i need ppl to stop glossing over *children* drinking alcohol..... like that shouldnt be normalized. idc how common it is, it shouldnt be seen as ok. it bothers me that ppl need to see someone like literally puking or like passing out or just like at their rock bottom before they are taken seriously as an addict that needs help. idk it just really really hits a nerve for me since i feel like so many ppl in my life brush under the rug all my cries for help and idk i feel so worn down at this point..... i just want ppl to have more empathy for the ppl around them going thru mental issues you cant see yk. like just because i may look put together or whatever, that doesnt invalidate my pain or trauma or addiction. idk..... just wanted to get that off my chest last thing, i just want to emphasize that like my issue is with ppl comparing what is and is not "bad enough" to "count" as someone worthy of help. when i hear these stories of v extreme cases of ppl abusing drugs and alcohol, it just feels like it invalidates ppl who are struggling but not to that extent. its like it makes it seem like addiction is only worthy enough of attention when its *this* bad, when ppl are stealing drugs to stay high, or idk just doing things that most ppl think of as "too far".... and it just bothers me because i remember how i used to feel, before i considered myself an addict, i used to idolize ppl who were so far gone that everyone was concerned, because i wanted ppl to give me that kinda of care and support (or yk thats how my child mind thought of it at the time). i just wish in these instances where we see huge celebrities with lots of money and power using that in ways most ppl cant, and never will be able to; when we dont hold space for the lesser extremes of these examples it makes it seem like thats all that addiction is, is the drama and the breakdown, and it doesnt make ppl think hard enough abt how addicts get to a spot where they are so desperate for help.. hh idk i have so many thoughts i keep just rambling so ill stop myself ig also ik im kinda overreacting, these kind of convos can be triggering.... i probably shouldnt have watched this video but oh well lol

I garden while listening to your videos ❤ I live and work at my Aunt and Uncles succulent garden and I’m always working on soothing with the plants. Thank you for keeping me well entertained while I’m busy! ❤

I love your makeup! Another fantastic video. For what it's worth, I spent it getting ready for bed and then laying awake for far longer than I should've - the video was too gripping, I couldn't save the rest for later!

It's unreal how well done your videos are. Your info is so concise and your voice is so easy to listen to. Another well done video!

I've only recently started to watch you but omg you have such a great approach to any subject, and do it with a humble and well researched approach, keep rocking this because you've got me as a subscriber for life

I'm so glad that I found your channel. I can't sleep without any noises around me, so I watch youtube videos to fall asleep. The Videos have to be interesting to me, otherwise i'll search for another video. But then I often find myself in the situation where the people are speaking super fast or the backround music is too loud and i can't relax. But you have such a calming voice, that it's very easy for me to calm down and get some rest + I really like the way you're handling certain topics and I enjoyed your videos so much, that i'll come back the next day to watch what I missed while I was asleep. This is something that I don't do often. 😅

This was very well done. 💜 I was feeding my animals, doing my night time skin care routine, and getting ready for bed while watching this one.

Hi! I work in housekeeping and was cleaning someone’s vacation condo while listening to this :) KZfaq videos and podcasts help keep me company while I work alone all day and you’re one of my favorites!

My heart breaks for her. She’s so stunning and talented and her voice give me chills

Okay, I just have to say this...I've seen your videos through the years and have watched your hair change; it's always beautiful. However, this tone of red on you is PHENOMENAL ❤️❤️ it looks SO natural on you and really accentuates your skin tone. ✨️ You're absolutely beautiful, girl 🙌💯

Your longform content is literally part of what gets me through night shift at the psych residential place I work at. You're on the list of youtubers I recommend when my coworkers ask for suggestions :)))

These videos are incredible. Adore them, thank you for all the passion, research and time into them it shows they are incredible. Interested for more 💛

Her documentary made me so fucking sad. I had no idea she was on the brink of death after her overdose. Its a miracle she’s alive today.

I was working on this on my thesis paper...I like your content coz it doesn't keeps me active and interested while giving me the right mount of zen

i’m studying for an exam :)!! thank you for providing such great content, it’s always nice to play while i’m doing coursework ❤️❤️

I've been doing laundry and spinning yarn on my spinning wheel. I very much enjoy your content and have binged your channel a few times. ❤️💕

I was becoming increasingly frustrated with my laptop while I listened to this video on my phone. My heart breaks for child actors. So much of what they go through is just wrong.

I found your channel yesterday, and have been binging it all day today. First of all, love how in-depth yet focused your videos are, and your calm demeanor is very refreshing in comparison to other channels. Second, the public obsession with celebrities in combination with the ignorance of the exploitive and abusive nature of child stardom is a societal issue, which you make clear in many of your videos. So thank you for putting out content that is both entertaining and informative.

Another great informative video, working from home always feels more fun when getting to listen long videos of interesting topics like this. Demi deserved better but like they said, at least they can now help other juniors in the industry by sharing their experience and trying to keep their own possible future children out from the exploitation.