Dan Schneider is continuing to shut down claims that he sexualized child actors on his Nickelodeon shows. His latest statement comes in light of the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which explores allegations of abuse, racism and inappropriate behavior on the sets of the kids shows he created in the early aughts.
Drake Bell is one of the child actors interviewed for the docuseries, in which he reveals that he was the previously unnamed minor whom dialogue coach Brian Peck was jailed for sexually abusing in 2004. Meanwhile, Kyle Sullivan, who starred on All That, spoke out about his experience working with Schneider.
“The show is full of these weird, uncomfortable sketches,” Sullivan said, per Newsweek. “I think Dan got a kick out of walking a line with that.”
However, a spokesperson for Schneider told The Hollywood Reporter that everything that happened on his Nickelodeon shows was approved by “dozens” of other adults.
“Everything that happened on the shows Dan ran was carefully scrutinized by dozens of involved adults, and approved by the network,” they said. “Had there been any scenes or outfits that were inappropriate in any way, they would have been flagged and blocked by this multilayered scrutiny.”
Schneider further required approvals from network executives based in both New York and Los Angeles, the spokesperson added.
“Remember, all stories, dialogue, costumes, and makeup were fully approved by network executives on two coasts,” they said. “A standards and practices group read and ultimately approved every script, and programming executives reviewed and approved all episodes. In addition, every day on every set, there were always parents and caregivers and their friends watching filming and rehearsals.”
The embattled producer created hit shows like The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, iCarly and Victorious, making stars out of Amanda Bynes, Miranda Cosgrove, Victoria Justice and Kenan Thompson.
He ultimately departed Nickelodeon in 2018 following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The network found no evidence of sexual misconduct, but did learn that Schneider could be verbally abusive on set. Still, he defended himself, saying, “I couldn’t and I wouldn’t have the long-term friendships and continued loyalty from so many reputable people if I’d mistreated my actors of any age, especially minors,” per Newsweek.
You can stream Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV on Max.
If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.
