Matthew Underwood, known for his role in Zoey 101, recently shared his experience of being sexually assaulted by his agent at the age of 19. His agent, who had been a friend and mentor, violated his trust and led to Underwood leaving the acting industry. Underwood also disclosed that he had been molested by his best friend’s stepfather at age 12. His decision to speak out about his assault history came after receiving public criticism for remaining silent after the release of the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which detailed abuse allegations within Nickelodeon, including against Dan Schneider who created popular shows like Zoey 101.
The docuseries Quiet on Set aired in March and highlighted the toxic work environment for child actors at Nickelodeon. Many former child stars, including Underwood, have come forward to share their experiences of abuse and harassment. Underwood expressed his hope that others in the industry would also speak out about their own experiences. While some have accused Underwood of defending Schneider, he clarified that he personally did not have any negative experiences with him and believed in the capacity for people to change for the better. Underwood emphasized the importance of creating a world where individuals have the opportunity to become better humans.
Despite Underwood’s statement about his positive experiences working on Nickelodeon shows, other Zoey 101 alumni have shared different accounts. Alexa Nikolas, who played Nicole Bristow on the show, described Nickelodeon’s working conditions as unsafe for child actors and criticized Schneider as the “creator of childhood trauma.” Nikolas demanded that the network prioritize protecting children over predators. Many former Nickelodeon stars, including All That cast members and Drake & Josh alum Drake Bell, were also interviewed for Quiet on Set to share their stories of abuse and harassment in the industry.
The allegations against Schneider and the overall discussion of abuse and harassment in the entertainment industry have sparked conversations about the need for change and accountability. The voices of former child actors like Underwood and Nikolas have shed light on the darker side of kids’ television and brought attention to the importance of creating safe environments for young performers. The industry itself is facing scrutiny and calls for reform to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent further instances of abuse and harassment.
In response to the backlash he received for his initial statement, Underwood clarified his intentions and emphasized his belief in the potential for people to improve themselves. Despite the challenges and pain he has faced, Underwood remains committed to the idea of a better world where individuals have the opportunity to become better versions of themselves. His decision to speak out about his experiences of assault and harassment has opened up important conversations about accountability, healing, and creating a safer environment for individuals, especially children, in the entertainment industry. The revelations from former child actors like Underwood and Nikolas highlight the importance of listening to survivors and taking action to prevent future instances of abuse and harassment.
