Jennette McCurdy, the former actress of the Nickelodeon show, iCarly, has spoken up about the physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, Debbie McCurdy, who passed away in 2013.

In an interview with People, Jennette discussed her one-woman show, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” which focuses on the “intense” abuse she endured.

The dark comedy debuted in Los Angeles in February 2020. Jennette also plans to share her story in an upcoming memoir.

Jennette spoke about her difficult childhood, saying, “My earliest memories of childhood were of heaviness and chaos.”

Her mother’s emotions were erratic, and Jennette felt like she was walking a tightrope every day. Her father did not respond to People’s request for comment.

Jennette also explained that her mother put pressure on her to become famous from a very young age.

Her mother had always dreamed of being a famous actor and became obsessed with making her daughter a star.

Although Jennette was “cripplingly shy,” she went on auditions and began building her résumé of roles.

“I felt like my job was to keep the peace,” she added. “And I wanted to make my mom happy.”

During an episode of her podcast, Empty Inside, Jennette spoke about walking away from her acting career.

“I quit a few years ago because I initially didn’t want to do it.

“My mom put me in it when I was 6, and by sort of age, I guess, 10 or 11, I was the main financial support for my family.

“My family didn’t have a lot of money, and this was the way out, which I actually think was helpful in driving me to some degree of success.”

Jennette also revealed in her interview with People that her mom started bleaching her hair and whitening her teeth when she was ten years old.

She said that when she was 11, her mom introduced her to calorie counting.

By the time she landed the role of Sam on iCarly, she was already suffering from anorexia, which later developed into binge eating and bulimia.

Until Jennette turned 17, which was three years into her starring role on the hit show, her mom insisted on performing “vaginal and breast exams” and never let her daughter shower alone.

Jennette also spoke about her past struggles with eating disorders, stating that she knew if her mom were alive, she would still have an eating disorder.

It was only distance from her mother that allowed her to get healthy.

Jennette said that she felt “repressed and delayed developmentally” due to her mom’s control.

She is now on a mission to rebuild her life and identity.

“I did not know how to find my identity without my mom,” she said.

“And I’m not going to lie. It was very hard to get here. But now, I’m at a place in my life that I never would have thought was possible. And I finally feel free.”

Jennette said that her one-woman show is thought-provoking, and even though it may seem black and white, there’s a fullness to her narrative.

“Life can be dark and messy. Nobody has a perfect life.” She hopes that her story will help others who have gone through similar experiences.

Jennette is currently focusing on writing and directing, and she hopes to create stories that will make people feel less alone.

“I’m inspired by people who have gone through hard times,” she said.

“It’s like the hero’s journey. You go through darkness, but you come out the other side with wisdom and strength.”

Jennette’s story has brought awareness to the issue of child abuse and the importance of seeking help.

In an Instagram post, she wrote, “Childhood abuse, emotional trauma, and neglect have lifelong consequences. We need to stop the cycle and break the silence.”

She urged her followers to seek help if they are struggling with similar issues.

Jennette’s experience highlights the importance of mental health and self-care.

Seeking professional help and support from loved ones can make a significant difference in one’s life.

It is essential to take care of oneself and prioritize mental well-being.

Jennette’s decision to speak out about her experience is courageous and inspiring.

By sharing her story, she is helping others who have gone through similar experiences and raising awareness about the issue of child abuse.

Her resilience and strength in overcoming her past is a testament to the power of self-care and seeking help.

It is crucial for parents and caregivers to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children.

Parents should be aware of the signs of child abuse and seek help if they suspect abuse is taking place.

Children who have experienced abuse should be supported and provided with the necessary resources to heal and recover.

Jennette’s story is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to speak out against abuse and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

We must continue to raise awareness and support organizations that work to prevent child abuse and provide resources for survivors.