“Not a single actor that works at Dhar Mann Studios can afford rent.” That provocative statement, spoken by actor Colin A. Borden in a TikTok video, fanned a firestorm of complaints against a moralistic online video star. Borden is one of the actors behind the #ProtestDharMann movement, which has questioned the business practices of the titular figure — and drawn a thorough response from Mann himself.
Borden, who has appeared on shows like Better Call Saul, is one of the actors who has achieved some level of internet fame by appearing in Mann’s videos. With the help of his regulars, Mann has created an empire of moral videos that use simple language to impart basic ethical lessons. That formula has made Mann’s channel one of the most-watched hubs on YouTube netting between 250 and 320 million views a month.
Despite the happy endings that typically punctuate Dhar Mann videos, some of the regulars at his studio alleged that his workplace culture leaves much to be desired. Borden and others took to the streets to protest their wages at Dhar Mann Studios. They claimed that they were unable to meet with Mann despite attempting to bring their issues directly to the studio’s founder.
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@colinaborden #protestdharmann ♬ Stranger Things – Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein
Mann’s initial response to the protests was fairly subdued. Some of his regular actors, including Katherine Norland, issued vlogs discussing their positive experiences at Dhar Mann Studios.
On February 14, Mann took to Instagram to issue a full response.
He said protesters’ desire to meet with him personally was “never communicated,” though he eventually did connect with the aggrieved actors. As for the allegations of low wages, Mann called those claims “100% not true.” He said that his studio currently pays between $33 and $44 per hour for speaking roles.
Mann also made his own allegations against some of the striking actors. He stated that the #ProtestDharMann movement is rife with “misinformation.” One actor even had to issue an official retraction after making outlandish claims about Mann.
“While I’m taking the steps to stop the spread of misinformation, I do acknowledge that there’s always opportunity for growth,” Mann wrote on Instagram. “So today in my meeting with actors we came up with ways to improve things such as a more efficient bookings system, stronger communication, and more consistent hours and pay.”
Mann will resume his plan “to spread positivity.” The popular creator seems to be patching things up with his stable of actors, but #ProtestDharMann still seems to have made an impact. As he returns to his mission, one of the breakout online video stars of the 2020s will surely face an increased amount of scrutiny.
