Matthew Underwood, best known for his role on Zoey 101, recently shared his story of being sexually assaulted by his agent at the age of 19 and molested by his best friend’s stepfather at age 12. He chose to speak up about his experiences after receiving public criticism for remaining silent following the release of the documentary Quiet on Set, which examined the toxic work environment for child actors at Nickelodeon and featured allegations of abuse against Dan Schneider, the creator of several popular Nickelodeon shows.
Although Underwood did not have a negative experience working with Schneider, he felt compelled to share his story in support of other actors who may have experienced harassment or abuse in the industry. He acknowledged that many of his peers may be facing similar issues but are afraid to speak out due to personal reasons. Underwood emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals in the industry and expressed his belief that people have the capacity to change and become better human beings.
In response to criticism that his words were being interpreted as a defense of Schneider, Underwood clarified his intentions in a lengthy statement shared on Reddit. He emphasized his desire for individuals who have caused him harm to recognize their wrongdoings and strive to become better people. While he acknowledged the pain that he has endured, Underwood expressed his hope for a world where individuals are given the opportunity to improve themselves and contribute positively to society.
Other Zoey 101 alumni, such as Alexa Nikolas, have also come forward with allegations of misconduct within the industry. Nikolas, who portrayed Nicole Bristow on the show, has described Nickelodeon’s working conditions as “unsafe” and accused the network of enabling child abuse. She has specifically named Dan Schneider as a perpetrator of harmful behavior and called on Nickelodeon to prioritize the protection of children over predators. Numerous former Nickelodeon stars, including cast members from All That and Drake & Josh, were interviewed for the documentary Quiet on Set, shedding light on the challenges faced by child actors in the industry.
Despite the revelations and allegations surrounding the working environment at Nickelodeon, Matthew Underwood remains hopeful that positive change can be achieved. He advocates for a shift towards a more supportive and inclusive industry that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals, especially children and young actors. By sharing his own experiences and speaking out against harassment and abuse, Underwood aims to create a safer and more empowering environment for future generations of performers in the entertainment industry.
