ABC/Ida Mae Astute
"We're all good. It's all sorted now," she told TMZ when asked about the status of the minor contract. "Yeah, we're all happy."
In California, a judge must approve contracts made on behalf of a minor. Part of that process can include the parents waiving any rights to the child's salary. In this case, 17-year-old Bindi's mother signed over her rights. But the court said that they failed to have the father sign off his rights, as well. Clearly, that's impossible as Steve died after being stung in the chest by a stingray in 2006.
Nevertheless, Bindi continued to compete on the ABC dancing competition alongside partner Derek Hough. Her base salary was $150,000 with additional pay as she advanced in the competition. The reported total for making it through all 11 weeks is $360,000, according to People.
ABC
The young activist said that when she does get paid, she won't be keeping it.
"Everything that I make goes back to wildlife conservation," she told TMZ. "It's wonderful. It's who we are."
Bindi's parents established the nonprofit organization Wildlife Warriors in 2002. "We have conservation projects all over the world," the dancing champ said.
Watch the interview below: