He was once touted as the “Norman Lear of children’s television.” new york timesformer Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider is struggling to save his reputation in the wake of a new documentary series. Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TVwhich investigates allegations of child sexual abuse and other misconduct in Hollywood.
“We definitely owe some people a pretty strong apology,” Dan Schneider said Tuesday on the Investigation Discovery documentary.
The documentary alleges he oversaw a toxic work environment with young children and verbally abused the show’s cast and staff.
File/Executive producer Dan Schneider, actor Kel Mitchell (top row), actors Benjamin Flores Jr., Cree Cicchino, Madisyn Shipman, and Thomas Cook (bottom row) attend Apple Store Soho Presents: Introducing the cast: “Nickelodeon’s Game Shakers” at At The Cast Apple Store SoHo, New York City, September 10, 2015. (Eric Vitale/Getty Images)
One of the accusers – a female writer amanda shaw Schneider alleges that he watched pornography on his computer at work and that he once offered to put one of her sketches on his show in exchange for a massage, which Schneider said was not known to other people. He is said to have made this request to his colleague.
Schneider said: icarly In a video interview with the star known as BooG!E obtained by Hollywood Reporter.
“The past two nights have been very difficult to watch. I have faced my past actions, some of which I am ashamed of and regret, and I have apologized quite strongly to some people. There is no doubt that we have to do it,” he said.
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When asked about massages, Schneider said, I was wrong to put someone in that position. That was wrong. I definitely won’t do it today. I’m ashamed of what I did then. I apologize to anyone who has ever been in that situation. ”
He then added: “As I watched the show, I saw the hurt in some people’s eyes and felt extremely disappointed and sorry. Especially going back to the beginning of my career and seeing the growth and experiences I have now. I wish I could bring it in and do a better job and never think it’s okay to be an asshole to anyone.”
As one of Nickelodeon’s top producers, Schneider directed several hit shows including: icarly, amanda shawand drake and josh.
Be quiet on set Explores the darker side of children’s entertainment in Hollywood, especially Nickelodeon.
File/Executive Producer Dan Schneider poses at Apple Store Soho Presents: Meet the Cast: “Nickelodeon’s Game Shakers” at Apple Store Soho on September 10, 2015 in New York City. (Eric Vitale/Getty)
The docuseries is the latest in a series of interviews with former teen star Drake Bell, who claimed he was sexually abused as a minor by convicted sex offender and former dialogue coach Brian Peck during production on the network. spending a lot of time. drake and josh.
Mr. Bell sued Mr. Peck in 2004 under a false name. His true identity is only revealed in the documentary. Mr. Peck was convicted and sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Nickelodeon, owned by Paramount, issued a statement last week saying it was “embarrassed and saddened.”
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