Child Stars, Adult Charges: Where the 2000s Disney Kids Stand Legally in 2025

They were America's sweethearts blessing our TV screens on Disney Channel in the early 2000s, belting out catchy tunes and playing classic sitcoms. But when the cameras disappeared, the ugly truth began. In 2025 today, most of these child stars are walking in a complicated tunnel of legal issues, lawsuits, and personal problems.

From Miley Cyrus battling over a copyright infringement of a number-one hit, to the post-conservatorship existence of Amanda Bynes, to the traumatic on-set claims by Bella Thorne the legal saga doesn't stop when Disney credits appear.

Let's take a look at where these once-child stars are now in terms of the law.

Miley Cyrus: Brawl to Safeguard "Flowers"

Once Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus has rebranded as one of the most influential voices in pop. But in 2025, she's not only fighting for Billboard control—she's fighting an A-list copyright lawsuit.

Her megahit Flowers a 2023 anthem of resilience has become the subject of a significant lawsuit. Investors in the music industry say the song lifts too much from Bruno Mars' When I Was Your Man, citing inversions in the lyrics and melodic parallels. The lawsuit revolves around copyright ownership rights and how far creative reinterpretation can push legally.

What is newsworthy about this lawsuit is the plaintiffs: they are not Bruno Mars himself, but rather a company that owns a portion of the original song's rights. That raised eyebrows within the legal world regarding fractional ownership in the era of music sampling and AI-generated songwriting.

As of mid-2025, Miley has been directed to go to trial, a step that would shake up the music world if she loses. With millions of streaming dollars and publishing rights on the table, this is not just a celebrity case it's a template for how artists in the future will be sued.

Amanda Bynes: Life After Conservatorship

From The Amanda Show to She's the Man, Amanda Bynes ruled quirky comedy. But secretly, her life fell apart rapidly. By 2013, she had been put under a conservatorship due to erratic behavior, a psychiatric hold, and drug abuse problems.

That conservatorship lasted almost ten years. But in 2022, Bynes gained her freedom legally winning back control over her own personal and financial affairs.

In 2025, Amanda is living life on her own terms. While she's mostly kept a low profile, she's said to be immersed in personal therapy and artistic pursuits, including a return to college to design fashion. There have been occasional setbacks most notably a public psychiatric breakdown in 2023 but no new run-ins with the law.

Amanda's case is now frequently quoted in mental health advocacy communities, a shining example of conservatorship laws needing to be handled with care. She joins the roll call of such celebrities as Britney Spears who have fought against court-ordered control and prevailed.

Bella Thorne: Accusations from the Movie Set

Bella Thorne, who was once a fiery redhead from Disney's Shake It Up, has long abandoned her Disney persona. Her career turned towards independent films, adult material, and risk-taking roles. But in 2025, she's in the news for something far more serious: accusations of on-set abuse.

While shooting a 2020 thriller, Bella reports her veteran co-star used a metal prop in an inappropriate and aggressive manner during a scene, injuring her in a sensitive area. She also alleges the same actor publicly embarrassed her several times during production.

What is particularly troubling about these accusations is that they were followed by silence. Bella allegedly alerted producers then, but no official inquiry was made. Now, five years on, she's making an allegation.

There isn't an official lawsuit yet. But labor unions and advocates for film safety are demanding changes in how scenes that include restraints, violence, or intimate body contact are rehearsed and shot. Thorne's high-profile push for change could lead to civil lawsuits or industry reforms.

Her tale reveals a significant blind spot for the entertainment world: performers, particularly young women, are still having trouble being heard when power is involved.

Where Are the Other Disney Stars Now?

While Cyrus, Bynes, and Thorne dominate legal headlines, they aren’t the only 2000s Disney kids navigating adult challenges. Here’s a quick legal rundown of other famous faces from the Mouse House:

Lindsay Lohan

After years of tabloid-fronted DUIs, arrest, and probation infractions, Lindsay Lohan has generally cleaned up. She married, gave birth, and moved overseas. On the books, she's spotless in 2025, with no fresh charges or lawsuits for years.

Demi Lovato

Demi has been publicly struggling with addiction and mental health issues, but not so much with legal troubles recently. Instead, she's become a vocal supporter of mental health awareness and is starting a non-profit in 2025 dedicated to rehab reform.

Shia LaBeouf

The ex-Even Stevens star has been put through the wringer. Following domestic abuse claim lawsuits, LaBeouf has maintained a low profile. Most of the legal cases were concluded by 2023, with out-of-court settlements.

Hilary Duff

Duff could be the rare exception. Her name has never appeared in any legal scandal. Rather, she's thriving, acting, writing, and running a lifestyle brand.

Cole & Dylan Sprouse

No current known legal concerns. The twins have stayed out of scandal and concentrated on film, photography, and high-end branding. A spotless legal record amidst Hollywood drama.

Why These Legal Cases Matter in 2025

Copyright Law Is Evolving

The Miley Cyrus incident is more than merely a bestseller. It's part of a broader trend in which copyright owners, even minority investors, are using their share to sue. As digital music distribution grows and AI writes songs quicker than people, look for this field of law to blow up.

Mental Health vs. Legal Control

Amanda Bynes's conservatorship fight is a reflection of increasing skepticism of legal systems implemented to "protect" but too frequently take advantage. The debate about autonomy, guardianship, and dignity is louder than ever.

Workplace Safety in Film

Bella Thorne's experience is the tip of the iceberg. With hazing culture, method acting, and stunt doubles still running rampant in some parts of the film industry, her allegations could bring about real change if the industry pays attention.

Public Accountability

Former child stars are beyond the protection of their Disney contracts. Their legal fight occurs in the public eye, often without the buffer of PR. What becomes of them now influences laws, union practices, and even fan culture.

What Comes Next?

Will Miley Settle or Fight?

If she settles, it might pave the way for a flurry of such claims. But if she prevails in court, count on more artists to stand up to vague copyright threats.

Will Bella Sue?

If Bella Thorne goes to civil court, it might encourage other actors—particularly women to reveal old trauma. The failure of unions to step in at this point has already been criticized.

Will Amanda Return?

Some fans hope Bynes will return to acting or producing. Others simply root for her well-being. What matters most is that she now makes her own choices, legally and personally.

Final Thoughts

Being a child star in the 2000s Disney machine was once a dream gig. But now, we’re seeing the aftermath of contracts signed too young, mental health neglected too long, and legal systems too slow to adapt.

• Miley Cyrus is battling to defend her creative self in a courtroom.
• Amanda Bynes is rewriting her life's narrative after years of courtroom control.
• Bella Thorne is challenging a culture of silence in Hollywood.

It's not just celebrity rumor mill. These are court fights dictating the future of copyright, conservatorship, and workplace safety in entertainment.

Sources

• CourtListener – Tempo Music Investments v. Miley Cyrus
• Justia – U.S. Copyright Claims Database
• Archive.org – Billboard & Variety Reports: Amanda Bynes 2013–2022
• Google Trends – Keyword interest from 2023 to 2025
• Official Press Releases – U.S. District Court updates on Cyrus case
• The Guardian – Amanda Bynes & Bella Thorne features
• Reuters – Miley Cyrus legal coverage
• Fox News – Bella Thorne and on-set allegations
• People Magazine – Amanda Bynes post-conservatorship interviews
• The Fashion Law – Miley Cyrus case breakdown

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