RTÉ Liveline listeners were shocked to hear of children's parents being asked for significant money from a US talent management agency as part of their audition process.
Guests spoke about a particular Los Angeles-based elite talent showcase that was allegedly charging parents up to $250 dollars to enter the next round of the process.
One guest said: "They are a company that set themselves up to run a competition and they want to make a lot of money. They charge a lot of money to be in it."
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She stressed that parents want the best for their children. "What child doesn't want to be a Netflix star or be on the next Disney show? That's the hook they put out there," she added.
She said that parents are paying thousands of dollars to travel over from Ireland and abroad.
Another guest informed host Joe Duffy that there was no mention of a significant financial commitment and that it only came once the parent and child received a second callback email.
"Then you read the fine print," she stated live on air, adding that the company requested four payments of hundreds of euros depending on what they wanted to audition under.
She stated that her Irish son auditioned under the category of 'modelling and acting.'
"I would be expected to pay four instalments of €350 if I wanted him to continue in two categories. It would be four instalments of €225 to have him in just one category," she added.
She stressed that it was made to look like there were agents waiting to sign her child up and that normally no money would be paid until an agent is ready to commit to a deal.
Joe told listeners that RTÉ emailed the US company four years ago and that they said they do not get involved in the negativity of the media.
"There are no fees involved for performers with experience or proper training," the statement read.
The second guest reiterated that there is no mention of fees in the first audition, only the second audition and any progression thereafter.
The first guest said that they are unaware of any Irish children that have progressed all the way through the competition.
One Twitter user reacted following the programme, saying: "Part of the very seedy aspect of talent searches, agents and auditions."
Another added: "It's tough in the US talent business let alone outside the country."
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