Matthew Underwood, star of “Zoey 101,” revealed on social media that he was sexually harassed and assaulted by his agent at the age of 19. In a statement regarding the Investigation Discovery docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” Underwood shared his experience of being betrayed by someone he trusted as a friend and mentor. He reported the incident to the agency, and the agent was subsequently fired, although he remains active in the industry. The assault ultimately led Underwood to move away from Los Angeles and end his pursuit of acting.
Underwood explained that he decided to share his story of sexual harassment and assault after receiving negative feedback following the release of “Quiet on Set,” which features allegations of abuse against “Zoey 101” creator Dan Schneider and crew members at Nickelodeon. He expressed empathy for his friends in the industry who may also be facing harassment for not speaking out, emphasizing that everyone has their own reasons for staying silent. Underwood played Logan Reese on “Zoey 101” for four seasons from 2005 to 2008 and reprised his role in the 2023 rom-com “Zoey 102” alongside original cast members.
Regarding Dan Schneider, Underwood shared that he never had a negative experience working on set of a Nickelodeon show and had nothing to add to the conversation regarding the allegations against Schneider. He expressed his belief in people’s capacity to improve and noted that Schneider appeared to recognize past mistakes. Underwood emphasized the importance of not supporting pedophiles and urged others to stop harassing actors who wish to maintain their privacy, as they may have been victims of similar experiences.
In his statement, Underwood emphasized that he does not condone or support pedophiles, and he requested that individuals refrain from wishing harm upon his family or harassing other actors. He urged for understanding and compassion towards those who may have experienced traumatic events in their past. Underwood’s openness about his experience sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry and the importance of speaking out against harassment and abuse.
Overall, Underwood’s disclosure of his assault at the hands of his agent sheds light on the prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry. His decision to share his story serves to raise awareness about the issue and encourage others to speak out against misconduct. By speaking up about his experience, Underwood hopes to show support for others who may have faced similar situations and to advocate for a safer and more respectful work environment for all individuals in the industry.
