Zoey 101 actor Matthew Underwood has claimed that he was sexually harassed and then assaulted by an agent when he was 19 years old.
The experience he shared on Instagram led him to leave Los Angeles and end his pursuit of an acting career.
Mr. Underwood faced what appeared to be harassment due to his silence following the release of the documentary “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Children’s Television,” which exposed the toxic working conditions behind the scenes of some film directors. In response, he posted a long message on social media. The most beloved children’s show of the 90’s.
“I know a lot of you want me to answer about the ‘Quiet on Set’ documentary. I want to share with you something I never thought I’d have to say publicly. Because honestly, that’s none of your business anyway,” Underwood wrote.
Drake Bell alleges sexual abuse at Nickelodeon by convicted sex offender
Zoey 101’s Matthew Underwood claims he was sexually harassed and assaulted by an older agent when he was 19 years old. (Getty Images)
“When I was 12 years old, I was groomed and sexually abused by my best friend’s stepfather. I lost my best friend ever because of the personal hatred and betrayal caused by my stepfather. Because I couldn’t spend time with them without feeling like, ‘He’s the person I trusted as a father,’ he continued.
“When I was 19 years old, I was sexually harassed and assaulted by my then-agent, whom I had spent considerable time building trust with as a friend and mentor. Once again, that trust was betrayed and my self-image shattered. “I reported him to my agency and he was subsequently fired, but he is still active in the industry.” This experience led me to leave Los Angeles and my acting career I have completed my quest.”
Dan Schneider responds to ‘quiet on set’ claims, apologizes for past behavior on Nickelodeon
The former actor played Logan Reese in the 2005-2008 film Zoey 101, starring Jamie Lynn Spears, and later reprized the role in the 2023 film Zoey 102.
Underwood, now 33, admitted that she wrote the Instagram post because of pressure from the outside world. “Recently, a lot of people have been blowing up my emails and wishing me and my mother dead and burn in hell. I’ve been called a pedophile apologist, etc. The images and those hateful words have little impact on who I am today.”
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He said that by sharing his story, “Just because people don’t shout from the rooftops that pedophiles are bad or that humans do terrible things, it means they don’t have a unique reason to stay. I wanted people to realize, ‘That’s not true.’ Silence, good reason, personal reason. ”
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“I’ve never had a bad experience working on a Nickelodeon set, and I’ve never had a bad experience with Dan.” [Schneider]” Underwood wrote. “I have nothing to add to the conversation that everyone wants to hear. I like to believe that humans have the ability to become better people, but Dan has proven himself to be a terrible person in the past. seems to recognize that it was.
“I would like to believe that he is capable enough as a creator and colleague that everyone can enjoy working with. I do not expect to work with him again. It’s just that I want to be good for people who want to be better.”
Britney Spears’ sister, Jamie Lynn, appeared on the hit Nickelodeon show.
Representatives for Mr. Underwood did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The documentary comes despite allegations that Schneider had a toxic work environment while working on shows such as “All That,” “Drake & Josh” and “The Amanda Show,” where he co-starred with Amanda. He rose through the ranks at the station and showed how he has grown to become a popular producer. Vines.
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In a video interview obtained by Fox News Digital, Schneider admitted that the documentary was “very difficult” to watch. He said he had some apologies to “iCarly” actor BooG!e.
“It’s been very difficult to watch the last two nights,” Schneider said. “I am dealing with my past actions, some of which I am ashamed of and regret. I definitely have to apologize pretty strongly to some people. .”
Dan Schneider responds to allegations in documentary ‘Quiet on Set’ (Charlie Galley)
In the documentary, Drake Bell, star of “Drake & Josh” Details of sexual abuse allegations against Brian Peck, an actor and dialogue coach hired by Nickelodeon. Peck was charged in 2003 with child molestation and oral copulation of a person under 16 years of age and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
“When Drake and I talked and he told me what happened, I was more shocked than anything that had happened to me in my entire career. And I said to him, “I’m here for you. What is needed? ” Schneider recalled.
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“Dan is actually the only person I remember being around for,” Bell said in the documentary. [Schneider]. ”
Nickelodeon released a statement to Fox News Digital after Bell revealed sexual abuse allegations against Brian Peck. “Now that Drake Bell has revealed his identity as a plaintiff in the 2004 lawsuit, we are appalled and saddened to learn of the trauma he endured. And we applaud the strength it took to come forward. I support it,” he said in a statement.
