Dan Schneider files defamation lawsuit against 'Quiet on Set' makers
What's the story
Dan Schneider, a former producer and writer for Nickelodeon has filed a defamation lawsuit against the creators of the documentary series Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. The lawsuit—filed on Wednesday—alleges that the series falsely implicates him in sexual abuse of child actors he professionally collaborated with. The legal document was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against Warner Bros. Discovery and other entities involved in the series' production.
Lawsuit details
Schneider denies involvement in the alleged abuse
The documentary exposes the abusive work environment of Nickelodeon, including the sexualization of young teens and sexual abuse of child actors, with Schneider implicated as a key figure. Schneider's lawsuit says, "While it is indisputable that two bona fide child sexual abusers worked on Nickelodeon shows, it is likewise indisputable that Schneider had no knowledge of their abuse, was not complicit in the abuse, condemned the abuse once it was discovered and, critically, was not a child sexual abuser himself."
His defense
Schneider believes producers acted with 'malice'
The lawsuit adds that the documentary's producers acted with "actual malice and purposeful disregard for the truth." "For the sake of clickbait, ratings, and views — or put differently, money — Defendants have destroyed Schneider's reputation and legacy through the false statements and implications that Schneider is [a child sexual abuser]." It adds that the series "continues its manipulative use of editing and photographs to conflate Schneider with [Brian Peck]." Peck was convicted in 2004 of child sexual abuse.
Legal proceedings
Defendants and allegations in Schneider's lawsuit
The defendants in the lawsuit also include Sony Pictures Television and Maxine Productions. The documentary series insinuates that Schneider's shows often put young women in comedic scenarios with sexual undertones and includes accusations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination from women who worked under Schneider on All That. The series also alleges that he displayed pornography on his computer in their presence and requested massages, joking that this would increase the chances of their sketches being included in the show.
Response
Schneider refutes allegations; earlier issued apology for past behavior
The series features an interview with Drake Bell, a Nickelodeon star, where he recalls severe sexual abuse by dialogue coach Peck at age 15. After the series was released, Schneider issued a general apology on YouTube for "past behaviors, some of which are embarrassing and that I regret." However, his lawsuit argues that the series and its promotional trailer wrongfully connect him to child sexual abuse by showing images of him during discussions about an unsafe environment for young actors.
Career highlights
Schneider's significant role in Nickelodeon's success
Schneider was instrumental in Nickelodeon's rise to prominence during the 1990s and 2000s. He contributed to popular shows such as All That, The Amanda Show, Kenan & Kel, Zoey 101, iCarly, and Victorious. Despite parting ways with Nickelodeon in 2018, Schneider is prominently featured in the controversial documentary series, which premiered on the true crime cable channel ID in March and is now available for streaming on Max.