Long before the release of "Quiet on Set," media outlets have raised questions about the way Nickelodeon has dealt with reports of abusive behavior. In 2018, Deadline questioned the network's internal procedures for investigating complaints, noting that multiple complaints had been lodged against producer Dan Schneider over the course of several years. He was the center of an internal investigation that kicked off in 2013, and only parted ways with the company in 2018. That only happened after more complaints, including those about requests for massages.
Some stars have also come forward to complain about the way the network handled complaints. When she published her memoir, Jennette McCurdy said that she'd turned down an offer of $300,000 from the network, which came with the caveat that she wouldn't talk about her experiences on Nickelodeon sets. She wrote (via E!), "Nickelodeon is offering me three hundred thousand dollars in hush money to not talk publicly about my experience on the show? ... This is a network with shows made for children. Shouldn't they have some sort of moral compass?"
Alexa Nikolas — formerly of "Zoey 101" — also condemned the network's practices, particularly their use of non-disclosure agreements. She told TMZ that forcing child stars to sign NDAs means that when they need help, they're legally restricted from getting it — and that only serves to help foster a potentially dangerous environment. For a look into more disturbing Hollywood practices, check out why these Old Hollywood stars fell from grace and were fired.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, may be the victim of child abuse, or is struggling or in crisis, contact the relevant resources below:
