Why is Skai Jackson being slammed? Actress defends charging fans to enter Apple MacBook giveaway

'I’m just letting you guys know I do not personally need money. Like I am very fine in my life, said Jackson
UPDATED JUL 10, 2023
Skai Jackson dragged online by fans who questioned her decision to charge fans for a giveaway opportunity (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)
Skai Jackson dragged online by fans who questioned her decision to charge fans for a giveaway opportunity (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former Disney Channel actress Skai Jackson has found herself at the center of online ridicule after requesting fans to pay a $5 fee to enter a raffle for a chance to win an Apple MacBook computer. The 21-year-old star took to TikTok Live to explain the giveaway and defend her actions.

Addressing the criticism, Jackson emphasized, "It is not that serious, for a damn $5. It is called a raffle. I don't know if you guys have been to school before, but I know I've been to school and we used to have raffles all the time." She further explained that the money collected would go toward the prize, and any surplus would be used for a second giveaway in the future.

Skai Jackson attends Disney Studios' premiere of
Skai Jackson attends Disney Studios' premiere of "West Side Story" at El Capitan Theatre on December 07, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

'The money goes toward the prize!'

Jackson rose to fame in 2011 when she was cast in the Disney Channel show 'Jessie.' Having gained recognition through her role in Disney's spinoff series 'Bunk'd' for three seasons, Jackson has since been involved in voice-acting projects and starred in the film 'Sheroes' in 2023. She also appeared on 'Dancing with the Stars.' 

Skai Jackson attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Lionsgate's
Skai Jackson attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Lionsgate's "John Wick: Chapter 4" at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 20, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

“The money goes toward the prize, and like I said, if there’s anything left over I’m doing a second giveaway soon. So that’s what it’s going toward.” In response to concerns raised by fans, she assured her followers that she personally did not need the money and was financially stable in her life.

Skai Jackson attends the World Premiere of Disney's live-action feature
Skai Jackson attends the World Premiere of Disney's live-action feature "The Little Mermaid" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on May 08, 2023. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

'Me personally, I do not need money!'

“I do not need money. Me personally, I do not need money. And I’m not saying this like, in a bragging way or anything like that, or in a mean way. I’m just letting you guys know I do not personally need money. Like I am very fine in my life,” she assured her followers. When some questioned why the actress did not simply purchase the computer herself instead of asking for monetary contributions. Jackson responded to the criticism, clarifying that she was not seeking or in need of monetary compensation.

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