Dan Schneider, a former Nickelodeon producer, has issued an apology for his conduct and the on-set environment of the preteen- and teen-oriented shows he produced during the 2000s and 2010s.
Dan Schneider, who departed from the network in 2018, responded to the Investigation Discovery series “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” which aired over the weekend. In a video conversation with actor Bobbie K. Bowman, also known as BooG!e, Schneider expressed finding the documentary series “difficult” and “embarrassing.”
Schneider acknowledged his past behaviors, some of which he finds embarrassing and regrets, stating that he owes some people a strong apology. The conversation with Bowman was uploaded to Schneider’s YouTube channel on Tuesday.
Known for producing successful Nickelodeon shows like “All That,” “The Amanda Show,” “Drake and Josh,” and “iCarly,” Schneider addressed the allegations of abuse, inappropriate behavior, and a toxic work environment featured in “Quiet on Set,” as recounted by several actors and former child stars.
Regarding incidents such as massages at work, Schneider admitted it was wrong and apologized to anyone affected, including witnesses who may have felt uncomfortable. He advocated for removing any questionable content or jokes from archived and rerun episodes, emphasizing that those jokes were originally aimed at a kid audience.
Schneider reiterated that multiple network executives approved the content and look of his shows, and he mentioned that an investigation prior to his departure found no wrongdoing, only noting him as a demanding person to work with.
In “Quiet on Set,” Drake Bell, known for his role in “Drake and Josh,” made accusations against dialogue coach Brian Peck, a close collaborator of Schneider’s. Peck was arrested in 2003 on charges of lewd acts with a child, as per a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, alleging molestation of an unidentified minor over six months, with whom he had worked closely, including on shows like “All That” and “The Amanda Show,” where Bell was a regular.
A spokesperson for Peck failed to respond to a request for comment.
Expressing his emotions regarding the case, Schneider denied hiring Peck and revealed his efforts to support actors, particularly Bell’s mother during Bell’s legal issues.
Bell received a two-year probation sentence for child endangerment, stemming from accusations of “grooming” a female victim at 12 years old. He pleaded guilty to felony attempted child endangerment and a misdemeanor for disseminating harmful material to juveniles.
Schneider advocated for television shows featuring child actors to have therapists on set with authority to assess if a juvenile truly desires to work.
Regarding Schneider’s apology video, Nickelodeon did not immediately respond. However, a network spokesperson previously stated:
“Though we cannot verify or refute allegations from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon diligently investigates all formal complaints to ensure a safe and professional workplace environment, free from harassment or inappropriate conduct. Our top priorities are the well-being of our employees, casts, crew, and all children. Over the years, we’ve implemented numerous safeguards to uphold our high standards and meet audience expectations.”
Alexa Nikolas, known for her role as Nicole Bristow in Schneider’s “Zoey 101,” demanded better protections for young actors in a livestream on her YouTube channel. She called for third-party advocates and an end to nondisclosure agreements for children.
Addressing Schneider directly, she expressed no sympathy and criticized him for subjecting her to situations that could attract undesirable attention as a child actor.
Schneider acknowledged his past shortcomings in a YouTube video, admitting to being inexperienced and sometimes rude in managing valuable franchises on a cable network. He expressed regret for his past behavior, stating he would handle things differently if given the chance, striving to be more considerate and respectful.
After he Requested no contest, Peck was found guilty of lewd or lascivious acts with a 14- or 15-year-old child and oral copulation with a minor under 16, according to a case summary from Los Angeles County Superior Court. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
A spokesperson for Peck did not provide a response when contacted for comment.
Expressing strong emotions regarding the case, Schneider denied hiring Peck and emphasized his efforts to support actors, particularly assisting Bell’s mother during Bell’s legal troubles.
Bell received a two-year probation sentence for child endangerment, stemming from accusations of “grooming” a female victim at age 12. He admitted guilt to felony attempted child endangerment and a misdemeanor charge for disseminating harmful material to minors.
Schneider advocated for on-set therapists with authority to assess the willingness of juvenile actors, suggesting that those who don’t want to participate should have the option to opt out.
Nickelodeon did not promptly reply to inquiries regarding Schneider’s apology video. In response to the docuseries, a network representative stated their policy of investigating formal complaints to ensure a safe and professional workplace.
Alexa Nikolas, known for her role in “Zoey 101,” created by Schneider, urged for more protections for young actors, including third-party advocates and the cessation of nondisclosure agreements for children during a livestream on her YouTube channel.
Addressing Schneider directly, Nikolas criticized the delay in his apology, accusing him of bullying and exposing her to inappropriate attention as a child actor, outside Nickelodeon’s offices in Burbank, California.
Schneider admitted in the YouTube video to being inexperienced and sometimes rude during his tenure, acknowledging his cockiness and overambitious nature. He expressed regret, stating he would handle situations differently if given the chance, wishing he had been kinder.
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