Alyson Stoner's Heartbreaking Memoir: From Disney Stardom to Survival

EXCLUSIVE: Alyson Stoner Speaks Out About Dark Side of Child Stardom

In a shocking exposé, former Disney starlet Alyson Stoner has revealed the traumatic experiences they endured as a child in the spotlight. The 32-year-old actress, who came out as queer in 2018 and uses they/them pronouns, opens up about the dark side of child stardom in their new memoir "Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything".

Stoner's journey to fame began at just six years old, starring in beloved family movies like "Cheaper By The Dozen" and "Camp Rock", as well as making appearances on various Disney programmes. However, behind the glamour, Stoner faced unimaginable horrors, including rape, sexualization, and stalkers.

In an interview with Us Weekly, Stoner recounts the time they were sent to meet a terminally ill fan by their team, only to discover it was a foiled kidnap plot. "It was like something out of a movie," Stoner says. "But the reality is, this stuff happens in real life, and it's terrifying."

As Stoner hit puberty, they began to notice a disturbing trend - top executives expecting them to seduce them during auditions. "For a young female body in particular, what I noticed was this sudden expectation that you will know how to sexualize your portrayals," Stoner explains. "That was just such a bizarre and horrific experience, to be in room after room with adult casting directors, knowing that I, at 13 or 14, am expected to seduce them."

The pressures of maintaining a perfect body image took its toll on Stoner's mental health. They recall being told to stay shaded from the sun to avoid getting "darker" skin, and eventually undertook a punishing workout regime with a strict calorie deficit that led to their menstrual cycle stopping at 17.

Stoner's struggles with body image were exacerbated by the industry's obsession with physical appearance. They recall attending a "weight loss camp" for a role in the Hunger Games, which Jennifer Lawrence eventually landed. "It was like being in a real-life horror movie," Stoner says. "I was constantly being told I wasn't good enough, that I needed to lose more weight."

But the most shocking revelation comes from Stoner's experience with rape. The alleged attack occurred after they ran into a colleague at an unnamed wellness event. Stoner recounts how their attacker allegedly treated them like "an inanimate object", saying: "He opened the door to a room on the first floor of an apartment building...It was common for entrepreneurs and creatives to have live-work spaces, but this looked nothing like the setup from the photos he showed me."

Stoner's alleged attacker is still unnamed, but their story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing child stars in the entertainment industry. "The world blurred as my mind completely disconnected from my body," Stoner writes in their memoir. "The last image I saw was a poster on the wall of a ravenous feline leaping for its prey. Then I blacked out and he raped me."

If you or someone you know has been affected by this article, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 or [email protected].

Stoner's memoir is a testament to their bravery in speaking out about the dark side of child stardom. As they continue to work as an actor and advocate for current child actors and influencers, their story serves as a warning to those in power to prioritize the well-being and safety of young performers.

In a statement to The Scholarly Note, Stoner says: "I hope that my story can help bring attention to the issues facing child stars. It's time we start treating them like the vulnerable human beings they are, rather than just commodities for our entertainment."

A Message from Alyson Stoner

As I share my story with you, I want to emphasize that I'm not alone in this struggle. Many child actors and influencers have experienced similar traumas, and it's time we start speaking out about them.

I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help bring about change in the entertainment industry. We need to create a safer, more supportive environment for young performers, where they feel valued and protected, not exploited.

If you're struggling with your own experiences of trauma or exploitation, please know that there is help available. You are not alone, and you are worthy of love, care, and support.

A Call to Action

The entertainment industry has a responsibility to protect its youngest stars. It's time we start prioritizing their well-being and safety above all else.

Let's work together to create a more compassionate, supportive environment for child actors and influencers. Let's break the silence surrounding exploitation and trauma in the industry.

If you're an adult working with young performers, please take responsibility for their safety and well-being. Report any incidents of exploitation or abuse to the relevant authorities.

Together, we can make a difference and create a safer, more loving world for all child stars.