Kenan Thompson recently discussed his time as a child star at Nickelodeon and the documentary series “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.” Thompson, who started his career as an original cast member of “All That” and starred in “Kenan & Kel” and “Good Burger,” confirmed that he has not watched the docuseries, which includes allegations of abusive behavior by producer Dan Schneider. Despite not witnessing any inappropriate behavior himself, Thompson expressed regret and offered empathy to those who were victimized.
Thompson emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for stories to be told, even if they are difficult to hear. He acknowledged his fond memories of Nickelodeon and his co-stars, making it challenging to reconcile the allegations of abuse. Thompson also called for further investigation into the allegations, emphasizing the importance of Nickelodeon being a safe space for children. He expressed his support for those who have come forward with their experiences of mistreatment.
“Quiet on Set” delves into the alleged mistreatment of child actors on Nickelodeon shows in the ’90s and early ’00s. The upcoming fifth episode of the series will feature interviews with former Nickelodeon stars, including Drake Bell, Giovonnie Samuels, Bryan Hearne, and Shane Lyons. The docuseries sheds light on the dark side of the entertainment industry and seeks to bring accountability to those who have engaged in abusive behavior.
Thompson’s comments on “Tamron Hall” revealed his perspective on the allegations against certain crew members at Nickelodeon, particularly Dan Schneider. While Thompson did not witness any inappropriate behavior during his time at the network, he expressed empathy and regret over the reported mistreatment. He urged for further investigation and emphasized the need for a safe environment for child actors in the industry.
As a former child star himself, Thompson understands the complexities of navigating a career in the spotlight at a young age. He acknowledged the challenges faced by those who were victimized and reiterated his support for them. Thompson’s stance on accountability and the importance of telling difficult stories reflects a growing awareness in the entertainment industry of the need to address issues of abuse and misconduct.
Thompson’s openness about his experiences as a child star and his reflections on the allegations raised in “Quiet on Set” highlight the broader conversation around accountability and safety in the entertainment industry. By sharing his perspective and acknowledging the complexities of the situation, Thompson contributes to a dialogue that aims to bring about positive change and ensure a safer environment for all those involved in the entertainment industry, especially children and young performers.
