Leigha Sanderson always dreamed of dancing, a challenging aspiration given she was born with spina bifida. From a young age, Sanderson, now 16, navigated countless hospital visits and surgeries. Living with chronic pain and ongoing health issues, she relied on a catheter since the age of five. “The school nurse was my best friend growing up,” she recalls.
Around 2013, at ages six or seven, Sanderson found a haven at Beyond Belief Dance Studio, owned by Justin Johnson, known to many as Alyssa Edwards from Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Sanderson quickly shone, becoming a force in competitive dance despite her health challenges. Her talent was further recognized on Johnson’s Netflix show Dancing Queen and during Beyond Belief’s appearance on America’s Got Talent in 2021.
In 2021, at 14, Johnson presented Sanderson with an exciting opportunity: an audition for Siwas Dance Pop Revolution, a reality TV competition hosted by the dynamic pop star, dancer, and Gen Z icon, JoJo Siwa. The show’s ultimate goal was to form a new pop group under the guidance of Siwa and her mother, Jessalynn.
The resulting group, XOMG Pop!, was envisioned as the next big sensation in the girl group scene, aiming to rival even KidzBop. Sanderson was ecstatic. A devoted fan of JoJo Siwa, she had followed Siwa’s rise from Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms, captivated by her vibrant personality and signature bows. JoJo Siwa leveraged her reality TV fame into a multifaceted career as an actor, influencer, and pop star. Her collaborations with Nickelodeon, global tours, and extensive merchandise lines, including JoJo-branded books, dolls, and clothing, solidified her brand. Her colorful aesthetic and energetic persona resonated deeply with young girls, who proudly called themselves “Siwanatorz.”
In 2021, JoJo Siwa publicly came out as queer and has since become a prominent Gen Z LGBTQ+ activist and social media figure, amassing over 45.5 million followers on TikTok. Her social media presence reflects a shift towards a more mature image, marked by tabloid attention on relationships and a punk-inspired style. This evolution coincided with her role as a judge on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance in January.
Jessalynn Siwa, JoJo’s mother and a former dance studio owner, has been instrumental in shaping JoJo’s career. On Dance Moms, Jessalynn embraced the archetype of the assertive stage mother, known for JoJo’s signature bows and intense confrontations with dance instructor Abby Lee Miller. After JoJo’s Nickelodeon deal in 2017, Jessalynn continued to be a driving force, aiming to make JoJo “the next Hannah Montana,” as she stated to Rolling Stone.
Sanderson shared a similar aspiration. As a long-time admirer of JoJo Siwa from Dance Moms, she felt a strong connection. Having previous reality TV experience from Dancing Queen, Leigha understood the demanding nature of the industry. Winning a spot in the Siwas’ pop group seemed like a direct path to achieving her own dreams of global fame.
Anjie, Leigha’s mother, had initial concerns. Leigha’s age meant Anjie would have to relocate to Los Angeles, leaving her other children in Texas and temporarily closing her daycare business. However, after discussing it with her husband, Cody, they decided the opportunity was too significant to decline. Cody emphasized Leigha’s resilience, stating, “A person with spina bifida shouldn’t be able to do the things that she’s doing. We never know, from day to day, if this may be her last time to step on stage. So we have to take every opportunity we can.”
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In early 2021, Anjie and Leigha traveled to Los Angeles for the Siwas Dance Pop Revolution series. However, the following two years drastically diverged from Leigha’s childhood dreams.
Image alt text: XOMG Pop group performs on stage in episode 108 of Siwa’s Dance Pop Revolution, highlighting JoJo Siwa’s dance influence and the group’s energetic performances.
The Sandersons, along with multiple production sources, allege that the Siwas subjected the young performers to demanding rehearsals, often cutting into school time with minimal compensation. They further claim that Sanderson was pressured to perform under severe physical strain. Jessalynn allegedly encouraged her to participate in a video shoot shortly after spinal cord surgery. In one instance, days before surgery, Leigha reportedly bled through her bellybutton during rehearsals for the Children’s and Family Emmys hosted by JoJo. Instead of advising rest, Jessalynn allegedly suggested using a maxi pad to prevent costume stains.
Anjie and Leigha Sanderson are now publicly sharing their experiences in XOMG Pop with Rolling Stone. They allege Jessalynn’s cruelty towards the children, including name-calling and discriminatory remarks about disabilities. (The child allegedly targeted by verbal abuse did not respond to requests for comment.) Sources also depict JoJo as domineering and harsh, contrasting with her public image. They claim she verbally abused the girls during performances and fostered a competitive environment, even after filming concluded, by playing favorites.
Rolling Stone corroborated the Sandersons’ account through interviews with multiple sources close to Dance Pop Revolution production and reviews of documents, including contracts, texts, and emails related to XOMG Pop! and Siwas Dance Pop Revolution. These sources suggest that the Siwas and producers enticed the young XOMG Pop! members with promises of fame, only to mistreat them and encourage on-camera tears. One production source stated, “The moms and kids would ‘come home and have a candy basket and a Nintendo Switch in their hotel room after being [messed] with all day. The highs were high, and the lows were low.’” (Production representatives dispute gift-giving and encouraging tears).
When Anjie voiced her concerns to other mothers and a studio teacher, the Sandersons say Jessalynn was informed, leading to Leigha’s abrupt dismissal from XOMG Pop!.
“Leigha and I were in a dark, dark place for months… we weren’t healthy enough to speak out,” Anjie shares. “Now that we’ve had time to recover and heal, we’re ready to share everything.”
The Siwas, through attorney Bryan Freedman, denied these allegations, asserting that Anjie’s own “abusive behavior” led to Leigha’s removal. “These allegations are 100 percent provably false,” their statement reads. They claim “voluminous and irrefutable evidence” will show that Jess Siwa acted to “protect the staff, the other girls and their families.” They did not address broader allegations or the departures of other group members.
Despite controversies, XOMG Pop! gained a dedicated young fanbase with catchy pop songs like “Party Like a Pop Star,” “Candy Hearts,” and “Disco Believer,” amassing over 15 million social media followers and 50 million TikTok views. In November 2023, they released a Christmas EP with Meghan Trainor, boosting their industry profile.
Mirroring JoJo Siwa’s successful merchandising, XOMG Pop! launched a tween-targeted product line, including clothing and accessories sold on Amazon and Target. The original seven members—Sanderson, Brooklynn Pitts, Kinley Cunningham, Bella Llerena, Dallas Skye, Kiya Barczyszyn, and Tamara Andreasyan (Tinie T)—were positioned as successors to JoJo Siwa’s empire, touring malls, appearing on America’s Got Talent, and even promoting their own cruise.
However, XOMG Pop! faced online criticism due to frequent member changes. Four original members—Barczyszyn, Cunningham, Sanderson, and Llerena—left in the past 18 months with minimal explanation. (Mothers of the other departing members declined to comment; Anjie stated she was the only one who didn’t sign an NDA).
In response to Rolling Stone, mothers of current XOMG Pop! members sent statements via Siwa’s representative, praising their positive experiences. They requested anonymity. One mother stated Jessalynn “has taken care of the girls as her own,” and JoJo is a “supportive mentor.” Another found it “hard to believe the Siwas could have done anything wrong.” Another attested to a “healthy, positive environment,” while one expressed sadness that “disgruntled parents” could hurt the children’s dreams.
The allegations against the Siwas highlight broader concerns about child performer protections in Hollywood, especially in the lightly regulated social media sphere. States like California are considering legislation to mandate trust accounts for minors’ social media earnings, similar to the Coogan Law for traditional child actors.
Ed Howard, senior counsel at the Children’s Advocacy Institute, notes that current laws lag behind social media’s growth, leaving child creators vulnerable to exploitation. While XOMG Pop!’s reality TV origins suggest it should be subject to traditional regulations, evidenced by on-set teachers and Coogan trusts, much of their work, like social media content creation, falls outside these protections.
The Sandersons argue that the Siwas failed to compensate Leigha for non-TV labor or provide standard on-set protections, exposing gaps in safeguards for children seeking online fame. Anjie advises parents to avoid being “starstruck” and to “do your research.” To Jessalynn Siwa, she says, “You’re a mom. And the way that you hurt these kids is not OK.”
SIWAS DANCE POP REVOLUTION premiered on Peacock in November 2021, marketed as a Dance Moms successor. JoJo and Jessalynn Siwa were presented as mentors and co-managers. The show’s promos depicted a lavish mansion, symbolizing the promised opportunities.
“You think you’re gonna be able to handle my mom? I thought the same thing when I was nine,” JoJo says in the first episode. Jessalynn promised to make the group a “phenomenon,” met with cheers from the young contestants. The show framed XOMG Pop! as a joint venture, reflecting the Siwas’ close working relationship. JoJo told E! News in 2021, “There actually is no line,” between work and family.
According to Sanderson and production sources, XOMG Pop! was perceived as Jessalynn’s project while JoJo transitioned to a more mature career phase. One source suggested it was like, “‘Let me give my mommy new little dolls to play with so I can stop wearing the bows and have a life.’”
Anjie was surprised to find Dance Pop Revolution was a competition, not a Making the Band-style show. (Production denies this, stating it was always pitched as a competition). Production sources confirmed the show was initially sold as a “kinder, gentler Dance Moms,” given the Siwas’ past experiences on that show.
Tensions arose quickly, partly due to the show’s competitive premise. Two contestants were frequently compared due to their blonde hair, leading one to dye her hair mid-season. Sources allege that eliminated contestants were asked to watch themselves in mirrors during exit interviews. (Production denies mirror use).
Image alt text: A photo of Anjie and Leigha Sanderson, the mother and daughter who are speaking out about their experiences with JoJo Siwa’s dance pop group, highlighting Leigha’s dance journey and their family’s story.
One production source claimed a set adage was, “It’s not a good day unless you make a kid cry.” Anjie Sanderson confirmed hearing this. Another source found it consistent with the set atmosphere. Production representatives denied such remarks, calling them “counter to everything JoJo Siwa stands for.”
Producers allegedly encouraged drama for ratings. While common in reality TV, the contestants were children, including an eight-year-old. Anjie claims editing portrayed her negatively, particularly a scene where Leigha sang with a ukulele, staged by producers and edited to seem like Leigha exploited another contestant’s illness. (Production confirmed producers staged the audition moment but denied negative portrayal intentions).
The Sandersons describe an environment of constant fear and pressure to express gratitude to the Siwas. Jessalynn allegedly verbally abused contestants, including mocking a child with hypotonia. (These scenes were not aired, and the targeted contestant did not comment; the Siwas did not respond to questions about these incidents).
Conditions reportedly worsened after Dance Pop Revolution filming ended and the winners transitioned to full-time music act XOMG Pop!. The Sandersons and a source confirm they often paid out-of-pocket for expenses without reimbursement and were not paid for various shoots.
California child labor law mandates minimum wage for minors on set. However, attorney Eugene Lee notes it doesn’t cover social media content shoots, and Leigha’s 1099 status complicates matters. He deemed the case “difficult, yet worthwhile.”
Anjie also states that despite a promised $10,000 album recording payment, they received only over $4,000, allegedly due to Jessalynn deducting Airbnb costs. (A deposit receipt supports this). While the Siwas rented a content house for XOMG Pop! in 2022, the children didn’t live there. Anjie alleges she and Leigha spent months on inflatable mattresses in Kinley’s dance studio.
This created financial strain for Anjie, who had closed her daycare. Fear of jeopardizing Leigha’s position or facing legal action prevented her from speaking out. Kiya Barczyszyn’s earlier abrupt firing reinforced the group’s precarious atmosphere.
“You’re not allowed to say anything. You can’t question anything. You’re living in fear,” Sanderson explains. Mothers were reportedly so financially strained that Anjie and Bella’s mother cleaned JoJo’s house for $20/hour. (Bella’s mother didn’t comment).
Rehearsals were lengthy, impacting schooling. Schedules reviewed by Rolling Stone show music video shoots extending to nine hours, with late-night call times. Leigha states, “We would end up working a nine-hour day with no school. Every single day it put us so far behind.” (Calendars and a source confirm this schedule; California law sets a nine-hour work limit for minors aged 9-16 in entertainment during school sessions).
Image alt text: JoJo Siwa and XOMG Pop! members perform at the 2022 Children’s & Family Creative Arts Emmys, showcasing JoJo Siwa’s dance influence and the group’s stage presence.
Leigha’s schooling became sporadic, with only 6.6 hours of recorded class time in December 2022. (An on-set teacher stated Acellus records are incomplete and they worked with the girls only three days that month). California requires three hours of schooling per workday for minors on set. Sources indicate inconsistent schooling and academic setbacks. However, the on-set teacher stated no parents complained about overwork or academic issues, describing a “child-centered focus” and adherence to labor laws.
Post-show, the competitive atmosphere persisted. XOMG Pop! members were expected to create constant social media content without direct pay, but with a $500 weekly prize for the most-viewed TikTok. Leigha initially enjoyed it, but it became intensely competitive. “Everyone was still pitted against each other,” she says. During rehearsals and performances, JoJo allegedly fostered comparison and contention, contradicting her public persona. During a Mall of America performance, JoJo reportedly yelled at them in headsets, criticizing their energy and performance quality in front of thousands. (A source confirmed this incident; the Siwas did not address this specific allegation).
In late 2022, Leigha faced health issues related to her disability and underwent spinal surgery in December. The Siwas and other mothers sent flowers and well wishes. However, despite medical advice for 4-6 weeks of rest, Jessalynn allegedly asked Leigha to return to rehearsal after 3.5 weeks for the “Disco Believer” video shoot.
Anjie’s reservations grew due to financial strain and health concerns. She clashed with Jessalynn and other mothers, leading to a “probation” barring her from rehearsals, causing tension with Leigha. Leigha now understands her mother’s advocacy. Anjie struggled to explain why she kept Leigha in XOMG Pop!, citing Leigha’s determination and promised opportunities like an Australia trip, toy deal, and Christmas movie. “We just drank the Kool-Aid,” she admits, regretting not pulling Leigha out sooner.
Leigha’s departure from XOMG Pop! was not voluntary. On May 3, 2023, Anjie confronted other mothers and the teacher over long hours and erratic schooling during a YouTube video shoot. Jessalynn texted Anjie demanding an apology for her “asshole” behavior, defending her hard work and group conditions.
Texts show Anjie repeatedly pleaded for Leigha to stay, even offering on-set guardianship to her older daughter or another mother. The Siwas’ counsel dismisses this as discrediting Anjie’s allegations, but Sanderson describes it as a desperate attempt to salvage Leigha’s dream. “I blamed myself, because I felt like I was taking something away from Leigha,” she explains. Jessalynn fired Leigha via text on May 6, 2023, stating they would “not be continuing to invest in Leigha.”
Leigha was devastated, feeling she had sacrificed everything for the group, only to have it “taken away.” They returned to Texas on May 9. Discovering Leigha’s image still on XOMG Pop! merchandise, the Sandersons sent a legal letter in December 2023 accusing unauthorized image use. Screenshots from July 2023 and current Amazon listings show Leigha’s image on merchandise.
A 2021 merchandising contract granted XOMG Pop! members 20% of revenue (2.8% per member). Despite an attorney calling this percentage “shockingly low,” the Sandersons claim they received no merchandising revenue or compensation for other work.
Since Leigha’s May 2023 firing, Kinley Cunningham and Bella Llerena also left XOMG Pop!. Only three original members remain, with Penelope LeMieux joining in late 2023. Despite a planned US tour, XOMG Pop! hasn’t achieved the Siwas’ envisioned “phenomenon” status. The Australia trip and Christmas movie deal reportedly fell through.
Production sources are unsurprised by the show and group’s trajectory. JoJo Siwa appears focused on her solo career, having fired her manager and publicist and not released new music since 2020. Sources describe XOMG Pop! as an unsuccessful attempt by Jessalynn to replicate JoJo’s success, stating, “The world did not pick this group. [Jessalynn Siwa] picked the group… They’re not gonna make it. Can you really force feed it to the world?”
XOMG Pop!’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale for child stars and their families in the digital age. Despite easier industry access, child performers lack adequate protections and income security. A production source notes, “These moms think their kids are gonna be handed the world… All these promises are made. It’s so easy to get caught up in that.” They believe the Siwas “really messed up some people’s lives.” However, Siwa associates, like the on-set teacher, maintain “all the intentions are good and positive,” aiming to “help these really, really talented kids make their dreams come true.”
After months of depression and health issues, Leigha is gaining perspective on her XOMG Pop! experience. She values meeting celebrities like Meghan Trainor and forming friendships. She is back in school and dancing again. However, she still feels resentment towards the Siwas, stating, “It’s like, they use you. And then they throw you in the trash.”
Full statement from Bryan Freedman, counsel for Jessalynn Siwa:
“These allegations are 100 percent provably false and this story is created to generate clicks at the expense of the truth. Had actual investigative reporting been done, the voluminous and irrefutable evidence would tell you all you need to know — that a disgruntled momager’s own abusive behavior caused for her daughter to be asked not to return to the group. Her relentless texts begging for forgiveness and for her daughter to be reinstated completely discredit her and these ridiculous allegations. Jess Siwa was protecting the staff, the other girls and their families which she will continue to do vociferously and unapologetically.”
