Dan Schneider has issued an apology following the claims made in the docuseries ‘Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV’.
The nearly 20-minute YouTube video came just days after various actors, actresses, and crew members accused the network and Schneider of creating a toxic work environment, and verbal and s-xual abuse, amongst other claims.
Dan Schneider Apologizes Following Recent Claims
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The now 58-year-old spoke out, admitting he watched the docuseries, and “regrets” his past behaviors.
“Watching over the past two nights was very difficult,” he said of the docuseries, which is now streaming on MAX. “Me facing my past behaviors, some of which are embarrassing and that I regret, I definitely owe some people a pretty strong apology.”
“I wish I could go back, especially to those earlier years of my career, and bring the growth and the experience that I have now and just do a better job and never, ever feel like it was okay to be an a–hole to anyone, ever,” he went on.
He also issued a statement, which was shown in the docuseries: “Everything that happened on the shows I ran was carefully scrutinized by dozens of involved adults. All stories, dialogue, costumes and makeup were fully approved by network executives on two coasts.”
Dan Schneider Receives Support After Issuing Apology
YouTube | DanWarp
The former Nickelodeon producer also admitted that asking for massages from the Nickelodeon crew was “wrong.”
“It was wrong that I ever put anyone in that position,” he said, adding, “it was a wrong thing to do. I’d never do it today. I’m embarrassed that I did it then.”
Following the apology, many took to Dan Schneider’s Instagram account to praise the 58-year-old.
One of Dan’s followers commented, “Dan, thank you for this. I too reflect on my past at times wondering why I made certain decisions and acted not as my best self to those who deserved kindness.”
They added, “We can’t go back. We can only be better today.”
Actress Kimberly Russell Supports Dan Schneider
Instagram | Kimberly Russell
Hollywood star Kimberly Russell, who is known her role as Sarah Nevins on the 1986–1991 sitcom ‘Head of the Class’, also commented words of support for the former Nickelodeon producer.
“Dan, you’re a great creative talent, a tremendously funny writer, and Director,” she wrote in the comments section of his recent Instagram post. “I’m saddened that you are being dragged. I’ve been on many film and television sets, and you are not the first stressed out producer to get angry and make some inappropriate jokes, or to yell at your crew -staff, however you might be the first to publicly take responsibility for your actions and offer your sincere apologies.”
Kimberly Russell Considers Dan Schneider A ‘Great Friend’
Instagram | Kimberly Russell
The actress added, “It’s unfortunate that you did not know that criminal behavior and the presence of a child predator (pedophile) was on your set. I have known you personally and professionally for many years and know that you do not tolerate such behavior or individuals that are criminals, and that hurt children.”
She concluded with, “I support you, and respect the wisdom that you have gained over the years. I will always consider you to be a great friend. Keep your head up, ‘this too shall pass’.”
Nickelodeon Stars Still Follow Dan Schneider
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Despite the allegations made against Schneider, former Nickelodeon stars including Ariana Grande, star of ‘iCarly’, Victoria Justice, star of ‘Victorious’ and ‘Zoey 101’, and Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Gillies, who portrayed Jade West in ‘Victorious’, still follow him on Instagram.
Before her time on ‘Victorious’ came to an end, she spoke out about Dan Schneider and how the television show changed her life.
“I remember Dan Schneider approaching me and my Mom about giving me the starring role of my own show,” she recalled in a letter to her friends. “I remember discussing the premise of what the show would be, like it was yesterday. I remember discussing what we would name it and him calling me one day and saying, ‘I have it, it’s going to be called ‘Victorious’. He was so excited, because he thought it was perfect.”
‘Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV’ is currently streaming on MAX. Dan Schneider’s full apology can be viewed here.