Dan Schneider, a former Nickelodeon showrunner and producer, is reportedly suing the creators of Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV for defamation.
Schneider, who wrote and produced many popular kids TV shows in the ’90s and early ’00s – including Kenan & Kel, Drake & Josh and The Amanda Show – is claiming that the documentary falsely implied that he sexually abused child actors on the shows.
According to TMZ, Schneider’s lawsuit alleges that the documentary series, which was created by Warner Bros. Discovery, Maxine Productions, Sony Pictures Television and others, created a false impression of the producer in the edit.
It also claims that Schneider was wrongly associated with the two other convicted child sex offenders who worked at Nickelodeon, including Brian Peck, who allegedly sexually abused Drake Bell as a child.
As per TMZ, Schneider’s lawyers claim: “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.”
Speaking on the reason behind his lawsuit, Schneider told TMZ: “They went beyond reporting the truth and falsely implied that I was involved in or facilitated horrific crimes for which actual child predators have been prosecuted and convicted.”
Schneider does reportedly concede that he did carry out some bad behaviour to colleagues and cast members, but insists that this was in no way connected to child sexual abuse.
He explained: “I have no objection to anyone highlighting my failures as a boss, but it is wrong to mislead millions of people to the false conclusion that I was in any way involved in heinous acts like those committed by child predators.”
Schneider said the docuseries “highlighted mistakes I made and poor judgment I exhibited during my time at Nickelodeon, most of which happened decades ago during my early career as a producer, working on shows for Tollin/Robbins Productions.”
He added: “There is no doubt that I was sometimes a bad leader. I am sincerely apologetic and regretful for that behaviour, and I will continue to take accountability for it.”
He is reportedly suing for defamation, claiming that he has suffered financial loss and mental distress as a result of the show, and is seeking unspecified damages.
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