“Zoey 101” actor Matthew Underwood has revealed that he was sexually harassed and assaulted by his former agent at the age of 19. Underwood shared his experience on social media in response to the Investigation Discovery docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.” The actor reported his agent to the agency, resulting in his firing, but he remains active in the industry. This traumatic experience led Underwood to move away from LA and end his pursuit of acting.
After facing backlash and accusations on social media, Underwood decided to share his story of sexual harassment and assault to shed light on the reasons why victims may remain silent. He emphasized that just because someone does not speak out publicly against abuse, it does not mean they do not have valid reasons for staying silent. Underwood received support from fans and industry colleagues for speaking out about his experience.
During his time on the show “Zoey 101,” Underwood played the character of Logan Reese for four seasons. He also appeared in the 2023 rom-com “Zoey 102,” a sequel film to the Nickelodeon series. Despite the allegations of abuse against “Zoey 101” creator Dan Schneider and crew members at Nickelodeon, Underwood shared that he did not have any negative experiences on set or with Schneider. He expressed his belief in people’s ability to change and grow, acknowledging that Schneider may have made mistakes in the past but could still be a positive presence in the industry.
In his statement, Underwood addressed the online harassment and death threats he and his family received, asking for people to stop wishing harm upon them. He also urged others to reconsider harassing actors who choose to maintain their privacy, as they may have their own reasons for not sharing their experiences. Underwood emphasized that he does not support pedophiles and highlighted the importance of treating others with empathy and respect.
Underwood’s openness about his past trauma has sparked conversations about the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry. By sharing his story, he has encouraged others to speak out and seek support if they have experienced similar abuse. The actor’s decision to address the issue publicly has brought attention to the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors to come forward and seek justice.
As a former child actor, Underwood’s statement provides insight into the challenges and risks that young performers may face in the industry. His experience serves as a reminder of the need for stronger protections and support systems to prevent abuse and exploitation of minors. By speaking out against his abuser, Underwood has taken a stand against the culture of silence that often surrounds these issues, inspiring others to break their silence and seek justice for the harm they have endured.
