Producer Dan Schneider sues over Quiet on Set doco

Former Nickelodeon producer / showrunner Dan Schneider is suing Investigation Discovery for defamation following its documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.

According to The Hollywood Reporter Schneider claims it falsely implied that he sexually abused children who worked on his television shows, branding it as a “hit job.”

While it’s true that two child sexual abusers worked on network shows, he says he had “no knowledge of their abuse,” condemned it and “was not a child sexual abuser himself.”

“But for the sake of clickbait, ratings, and views — or put differently, money — Defendants have destroyed Schneider’s reputation and legacy through the false statements and implications that Schneider is exactly that,” the lawsuit says.

Schneider has been the golden child of Nickelodeon creating (or co-creating) and producing a string of hits including All That, The Amanda Show, Kenan & Kel, What I Like About You, Drake & Josh. iCarly, Zoey 101, Victorious, Sam & Cat, Henry Danger, Game Shakers. They spawned talent including Amanda Bynes, Ariana Grande, Jennette McCurdy, Miranda Cosgrove, Victoria Justice, Jamie Lynn Spears and more.

Schneider seeks unspecified damages and a court order forcing producers to remove allegedly defamatory portions of the docuseries or have it completely taken down.

In a statement, Schneider acknowledged “mistakes I made and poor judgment I exhibited during my time at Nickelodeon” but said he had “no choice but to take legal action against the people behind it.” He added, “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.”

Producers at one point in the docuseries note that Schneider was not found to have engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour after then-Nickelodeon parent ViacomCBS launched an investigation. He cites the inclusion of the information as proof that the producers were aware that they were advancing false allegations.

Investigation Discovery is yet to comment.

The series is currently screening in Australia on ID through Foxtel, Binge and Fetch TV.

Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

Support Act Wellbeing Helpline: 1800 959 500.