Former Nickelodeon star Kel Mitchell recently shared his experience of being screamed at by Dan Schneider on the set of All That. Mitchell, who was 18 or 19 at the time, recalled a heated moment in which Schneider directed rage towards him in a closet. The change in personnel on the show left them with Schneider as the head writer, leading to tensions between Mitchell and him. Mitchell walked away from the situation, choosing to leave rather than engage in a fight with Schneider.
Mitchell’s account adds to the growing number of Nickelodeon alums who have spoken out about negative experiences working with Schneider. Earlier this year, an explosive docuseries called Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV was released, detailing Schneider’s alleged inappropriate behavior during his time at Nickelodeon. The documentary also covered allegations of sexual abuse involving former dialogue coach Brian Peck. Schneider, in his first interview addressing the claims, admitted to facing his past behaviors and expressed regret for not treating all employees with the same respect and kindness.
Schneider reflected on his early experiences in the entertainment industry, highlighting his excitement and gratitude for the opportunities he received. He acknowledged that he did not always extend the same opportunities and respect to everyone he worked with, which he regrets deeply. Looking back, Schneider wished he had treated all employees with the same level of professionalism and kindness that he himself had hoped for when starting out in the industry. His acknowledgment of past mistakes and the impact they may have had on others is part of his effort to take responsibility for his actions.
The incident with Mitchell sheds light on the toxic work environment that could exist behind the scenes of children’s TV shows, where power dynamics and inappropriate behavior can go unchecked. Mitchell’s decision to walk away from the situation rather than engage in a physical altercation with Schneider shows his maturity and ability to prioritize his well-being in a challenging situation. The conversation surrounding Schneider’s behavior and the impact it had on those around him is an important part of holding individuals in positions of power accountable for their actions.
As more former Nickelodeon stars come forward with their accounts of negative experiences with Schneider, it becomes clear that changes need to be made in the industry to prevent and address such issues. The documentary, Quiet on Set, served as a platform for individuals to share their stories and shed light on the darker side of children’s TV entertainment. By sharing his experience, Mitchell adds to the conversation about workplace dynamics and the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of their role or position in the industry.
