Following The Release Of "Quiet On Set," Alexa Nikolas Has Been Criticized For Selling Themed Shirts

    "Nickelodeon was my childhood trauma TOO."

    Natasha Jokic
    by Natasha Jokic

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Zoey 101 alum Alexa Nikolas addressed backlash following her "limited run" sale of a "Sickelodeon"-themed shirt.

    A younger Alexa wearing a patterned scarf and leather jacket, posing with a peace sign
    Dimitrios Kambouris / WireImage

    Alexa has been candid about her negative experiences with Nickelodeon for years, even garnering an apology from Britney Spears in the process. Amid the release of the docuseries Quiet on Set, Alexa's advocacy work — especially her vocal criticism of former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider — has naturally received more attention.

    However, on March 30, Alexa announced a "limited run" of a "Sickelodeon" shirt, retailing at $45. The shirt is sold by Eat Predators, the protest group Alexa founded.

    LIMITED RUN ✊https://t.co/iAD91TFidR pic.twitter.com/JIezJROOAN

    — Alexa Nikolas (@alexanikolas__) March 31, 2024
    Twitter: @alexanikolas__
    According to their website, "We firmly believe that art can be a catalyst for change. That's why we offer an array of products and merchandise, each carefully designed to carry our mission forward. By wearing our iconic Eat Predators logo, a symbol of strength and resilience, you become a voice for those who have been silenced for far too long."

    The criticism was swift, with some accusing Alexa of "profiting" from her Nickelodeon costars' "trauma":

    This not weird to yall? https://t.co/TYfGrLJGLA

    — Exquisite Armantè (@ExquisiteWill) March 31, 2024
    Twitter: @ExquisiteWill

    exploiting the trauma of your peers for money and fame is so diabolically evil i can’t even comprehend how you got here https://t.co/dTVOxM65HZ

    — 🕊️ (@newdiaryentry) March 31, 2024
    Twitter: @newdiaryentry

    Alexa subsequently took to the website formerly known as Twitter to write, "Nickelodeon was my childhood trauma TOO. BTW. I got exploited as a child while in a toxic work environment and that company made millions of dollars off of us kids. I want to see people supporting me and others rocking a Sickelodeon t-shirt. You watch that doc and attack me?"

    Alexa on the Nickelodeon orange carpet with other child actors
    Matthew Simmons / Getty Images

    "We are left with nothing meanwhile they make millions off of us still till this day. While we can’t afford therapy," she continued. "Shame on you."

    Twitter: @alexanikolas__

    Turning her attention to Quiet on Set, she added, "Go ask HBO and ID how much they have gotten paid off our trauma. Bring that energy over there We shared our stories for a better world with zero payment. Power to Survivors. Proud of us."

    Go ask HBO and ID how much they have gotten paid off our trauma. Bring that energy over there 💋 We shared our stories for a better world with zero payment. Power to Survivors. Proud of us.

    — Alexa Nikolas (@alexanikolas__) March 31, 2024
    Twitter: @alexanikolas__

    Not all were keen on Alexa's response:

    girl we see , hear and feel terribly sorry for you, no one’s taking away from that. but you can’t profit off of other victims and their own trauma, it’s just straight up weird and idk how you don’t see a problem with that. we’ve been on your side but don’t get weird now.

    — rose ﾒ𝟶 (@dwrosee) March 31, 2024
    Twitter: @dwrosee

    We'll keep you posted with any updates.