Dan Schneider had quite a lot of explaining to do after several accusations detailed in “Quiet on Set” painted him as Nickelodeon’s toxic ringleader. Schneider was previously at the center of multiple investigations into inappropriate behavior, and he was ultimately let go in 2018 after evidence found he was abusive in the workplace. More public allegations have emerged, however, giving a detailed look at his shady behavior that lasted over two decades.
In the documentary, former staff writers Christy Stratton and Jenny Kilgen say they were subjected to sexual harassment on set and were forced to share a single salary. Kilgen claimed that pornography was constantly playing in the writers’ room and that Schneider would make her give him massages in exchange for him to air her sketches. Several costume designers, parents, actors, and others involved at Nickelodeon recalled seeing young women massaging Schneider on set on several different occasions.
Schneider addressed many of these allegations in his apology video. He spoke about the various massages, saying, “It was wrong that I ever put anybody in that position. It was a wrong thing to do.” He continued, “I’m embarrassed that I did it then. I apologize to anybody that I ever put in that situation.” Schneider also revealed that he “said things that went too far” in the writers’ room, blaming it on his inexperience as a producer at the time.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
