Former child star Macaulay Culkin has spoken out against Investigation Discovery (ID) network, expressing concerns about their portrayal of young performers in Hollywood.
The "Home Alone" actor posted a direct message on Instagram addressing the network: "Please take it easy on the kiddos. We've all been through the wringer. No one wants to feel exploited. Don't pile on."
Culkin's statement came as ID aired an episode of "Hollywood Demons" titled "Child Stars Gone Violent," which examines the struggles of former child actors. The episode features stories of young performers who faced challenges after their early fame, including "Family Ties" star Brian Bonsall and "That's So Raven" actor Orlando Brown.
The actor's criticism joins other voices from the child star community. Former "Kim Possible" actress Christy Carlson Romano previously declined to participate in ID documentaries, expressing concerns about how these stories are told. Romano specifically noted that many documentary producers are "outsiders" to the child actor community and described some content as "trauma porn."
Culkin, now 44, has been open about his own experiences as a child actor, including difficulties with his father during his parents' custody battle. He stepped away from acting in 1994 at age 14, a decision his "Home Alone" co-star Catherine O'Hara praised as showing "wisdom and self-preservation."
Neither Investigation Discovery nor Culkin's representatives have responded to requests for comment about his statement.
The actor, now engaged to former child star Brenda Song, has previously stated he is "in the best place of my entire life" as a father to two young children.