Former Nickelodeon producer and writer Dan Schneider has filed a defamation lawsuit against the makers of the documentary series 'Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.' Schneider alleges that the series wrongly implied that he sexually abused child actors he worked with. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against Warner Bros. Discovery and other companies behind the series.
Schneider, known for his work on popular Nickelodeon shows such as 'All That,' 'The Amanda Show,' and 'Kenan & Kel,' was a central figure in Nickelodeon's dominance of kid culture in the 1990s and 2000s. He also served as an executive producer on shows like 'Zoey 101,' 'iCarly,' and 'Victorious.'
'Quiet on Set' aired on the true crime cable channel ID and has since been streaming on Max. The series delves into the sexualization of young teens and a toxic work environment within the industry. Schneider claims that the show deliberately mixed and juxtaposed images of him with criminal sexual abusers to imply his involvement.
The lawsuit states that Schneider had no knowledge of the abuse, was not complicit in it, and condemned it once discovered. It also addresses allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination made by women who worked under him on 'All That.'
The suit seeks damages for what it describes as the destruction of Schneider's reputation and legacy through false statements and implications. Nickelodeon, not involved in the lawsuit, stated that it investigates all formal complaints and has protocols in place to ensure the well-being of minors working on its shows.