Doc McStuffins, the popular Disney Junior animated series, created by Chris Nee, chronicles the journey of six-year-old Dottie and how she is able to communicate and heal her stuffed animals and toys all from the comforts of her back yard clinic. For years now, Doc McStuffins has captured the hearts and imaginations of those who watch the series, which has become extremely popular among parents and young people alike.
From animation to merchandising, the series set the bar on representing young black girls in a positive manner. However, recently, it has been brought to light that apparently not all is well in the Disney camp regarding the show. The young star, who voiced the title character from 2012-2015, Kiara Muhammad, is suing over merchandise revenue.
Anitra Muhammad, Kiara’s mother, filed a lawsuit on behalf of her daughter claiming that the young actress has not received her fair share of merchandise revenue from the hit Disney Junior show. In addition, Kiara has been on single-day contracts with the company since 2010, requiring her to sign new contract each day before recording, then at the end of each day, the company terminates her employment. Muhammad’s mother stated in the suit that the suggestion to enter into a traditional employment agreement with Disney was proposed on their end several times but not accepted.
In addition, the suit also claims that Kiara Muhammad wasn’t paid in a timely manner by Disney. Her first season pay was a flat rate of $5,000. In the second season, Muhammad negotiated 2.5 percent of merchandising revenue in exchange for the rights to use her name, voice and likeness. Because they haven’t been paid for those rights, the Muhammad’s are suing, claiming breach of contract on behalf of Disney.
Disney nor a company representative have not, as of yet, commented or released a statement regarding Muhammad’s suit or allegations.
