Pamela Anderson’s son, Brandon Thomas Lee, has criticised how poorly his mother was paid for Baywatch, calling it ‘criminal’.
The pair attended the premiere of Netflix’s new documentary Pamela, a Love Story held at the TUDUM Theater on Monday (30 January) in Hollywood, California.
The 26-year-old investor spoke about his mum's treatment as well as calling out executives and other stars for taking advantage of her as a young woman.
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“When I go back and I even look at past deals or residual cheques that comes, I mean people would be shocked to find out how people really took advantage of her… a young girl making a bad deal on a big show and she was the biggest star in the world at the time,” he explained.
Lee also revealed that his mother earns less than $4,000 (£3,247) per year in residual payments from Baywatch, despite her iconic role in the series.
“You know… she makes $4,000 per year on Baywatch, that’s a crime… no one would know that,” he said.
During the interview, Lee defended his mother stating he felt she deserved better payment for her various film and TV roles.
“Everybody is gonna have to have their day where we come knocking… I would love to see her get what’s right,” he said.
Pamela, a Love Story explores Anderson’s rise to fame, the theft of sex tape and how she was exploited throughout her career.
It is an intimate portrait of the former Playboy model, with much of it being based on her diaries and a large proportion filmed at her home near Vancouver.
In the documentary, Anderson also reflects on her difficult childhood and her frustration about the Hulu series, Pam and Tommy - which was not approved by her.
Speaking in her documentary, she bravely told viewers: “They shouldn’t have been able to do it [Pam and Tommy] without my permission.
“This feels like when the tape was stolen.”
While she still felt hurt by the Hulu series, in this latest interview Anderson said she felt little resentment towards the producers of Baywatch.
“I’m not so worried about the money… I always say you can’t take me away from me,” she said.
She added: “I’ll always find my way, I could live in a box, in an apartment, a mansion, a castle, I’m always going to be ok.”
However, Anderson did thank her son for being so protective, calling him a ‘financial wizard’.
Brushing off the moment, she said: “There’s a reason for everything.”
Pamela, a Love Story is available to watch now on Netflix.
Katherine Sidnell