*Trigger Warning: This story contains mentions of sexual abuse.
Former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider has filed a lawsuit against the producers of the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV–- on which actor and one-time Challenge star Drake Bell appears–- alleging defamation.
In addition to his work as a producer, Dan is credited with creating multiple shows on Nickelodeon that aired in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including The Amanda Show, Zoey 101, Sam & Cat and Drake & Josh–- the latter starring Drake, who later competed on Season 3 of The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars.
Nickelodeon cut ties with the producer/creator in 2018 amid allegations of abusive behavior, though the network has continued to deny any wrongdoing.
According to People, Dan is claiming in his lawsuit that the producers and creators of the Investigation Discovery docuseries falsely implied that he sexually abused child actors from Nickelodeon while employed by the network. He alleges this was done through “a manipulative mix of editing, speech and imagery.”
Dan is also claiming in his lawsuit that the producers of ‘Quiet on Set’ attempted to associate him with Jason Handy and Brian Peck–- two convicted child sex offenders formerly employed by Nickelodeon, who are also mentioned in the docuseries.
(As those who have watched ‘Quiet on Set’ know, Brian was a former dialogue coach for Nickelodeon whom Drake alleges sexually abused him when he was a child. In connection to the allegations made by Drake, Brian pleaded no contest in 2004 to two of the 11 charges he was facing, including performing a lewd act with a 14 or 15 year-old. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison and was required to register as a sex offender.)
“[Dan] had no knowledge of their abuse, was not complicit in the abuse, condemned the abuse once it was discovered and, critically, was not a child sexual abuser himself,” Dan’s lawsuit states.
In a statement to People, Dan admitted that the docuseries highlights “mistakes” and “poor judgment” that he exhibited during his time with Nickelodeon, arguing, “most of which happened decades ago.” He also admitted that he was “sometimes a bad leader.”
“I am sincerely apologetic and regretful for that behavior, and I will continue to take accountability for it,” his statement continued, before going on to explain why he felt it was necessary to take legal action against the people behind ‘Quiet on Set.’
“In their successful attempt to mislead viewers and increase ratings, they went beyond reporting the truth and falsely implied that I was involved in or facilitated horrific crimes for which actual child predators have been prosecuted and convicted,” he stated. “I have no objection to anyone highlighting my failures as a boss, but it is wrong to mislead millions of people to the false conclusion that I was in any way involved in heinous acts like those committed by child predators.
“I owe it to myself, my family, and the many wonderful people involved in making these shows to set the record straight,” he added.
‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV’ is currently streaming on Max and Discovery+.
(Photos: Investigation Discovery; YouTube)
12 Responses
It wasn’t implied that he’s a p3do but he wrote an awful lot of s3xual jokes for a kid’s show and that’s icky. Also he appears to have been a terrible boss and harasser of women.
Though Drake says he was the only one that supported him when his abuse happened so there’s that
Yikes! I watched the entire series and believe the kids and parents on the show. It was such a vulnerability for them to speak out.
Paging Amanda Bynes, cast of iCarly, Victorious- bet they’d have lots to say about Dan ‘Taynt’ Schneider. This fool needs to sit his ass down bc he’s about to learn the meaning of ‘chickens coming home to roost’.
Is it just me or are the pervs are hideously looking? Dan Schneider is Harvey Weinstein level repulsive.
From what I saw in the documentary, they showed he was a piece of complete garbage in a thousand different ways but I didn’t see them saying or implying that he was doing or condoning the horrific acts brian peck did. I feel very proud of the survivors for speaking out. I hope everyone who was negatively impacted finds healing and lives a wonderful life.
I think they’ve added more episodes since the last time I watched it but the only thing that stands out for me that he could even be talking about was one scene where they mentioned he would often be alone with Amanda in a room for long periods of time & “no one really knew what they were doing in there” as they put it
I have heard enough online and IRL stories to believe the stories against him. I hope he gets everything he deserves..
Folks think this wasn’t rampant at Disney as well?
Kids shows are where all the ped0s go.
Nah Dan, you made yourself look awful all on your own behavior.
I listened to the radio interview with the host of Nickelodeon Double Dare Marc Summers and he said ID tried to trick him about what the documentary was about and he once he realized he was like he never even met Dan Schneider so he couldn’t speak on the topic but they were trying to get him to say he did. Which I’m not saying what the kids are saying isn’t true, but when you go about it in a stupid way it then ruins your credibility as well and now he does probably have a law suit and will get away with doing some of these things unfortunately.
I wonder if Britney Spears sister will be deposed. By the Defendant, not the plaintiff.
I hope this lawsuit brings people out of the woodwork & brings him down. I believe he broke Amanda Bynes with his abuse.