Dan Schneider lawsuit Quiet on Set portrayal documentary series

Dan Schneider files lawsuit against documentary series alleging sexual abuse, calling it a "hit job" on his reputation and legacy.

Children's television producer Dan Schneider has taken legal action against the producers of the documentary series "Quiet on Set," alleging that the show falsely suggests he sexually abused children who appeared on his various programs. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, names Warner Brothers Discovery, Maxine Productions, Sony Pictures Television, and producers Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, accusing them all of defamation.

The series, which aired in March and is available for streaming on MAX, delves into the world of children's television production in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It features interviews with former child actors like Drake Bell, Alexa Nikolas, Leon Frierson, Giovonnie Samuels, and Raquel Lee Bolleau, as well as staff members who worked on the sets. Many of the interviewees shared stories of a toxic work environment and allegations of sexual abuse by former Nickelodeon staffer Brian Peck and production assistant Jason Michael Handy.

Schneider's lawsuit claims that the documentary was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. While acknowledging the presence of actual child sexual abusers on Nickelodeon shows, the lawsuit emphasizes that Schneider had no knowledge of their actions, was not complicit in any abuse, and condemned such behavior when it was uncovered. The lawsuit asserts that the documentary's portrayal of Schneider as a child sexual abuser is entirely false and damaging to his career and legacy.

In response to the series, Schneider issued a public apology for any past behavior that may have caused harm to colleagues and cast members during his time at Nickelodeon. The lawsuit maintains that while he regrets and seeks to atone for any mistakes, Schneider adamantly denies being a child sexual abuser.

Dan Schneider is known for producing popular children's shows like "All That," "The Amanda Show," "Drake & Josh," "Zoey 101," "iCarly," and "Victorious." The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday and is currently in the process of being reviewed by the court. Representatives for the accused agencies have not yet provided a response to the lawsuit.