In a dramatic turn of events, Dan Schneider (ICarly, Drake & Josh, Victorious), the former Nickelodeon producer behind iconic kids’ television shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s, is now on the offensive against Investigation Discovery’s explosive limited series, Quiet on Set. Schneider has filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court accusing Warner Bros., Maxine Productions, Sony Pictures, and producers Mary Robertson (June, Malfunction: The Dressing Down of Janet Jackson) and Emma Schwartz (The New York Times Presents, Quiet On Set, Frontliner) of alleged defamation.
According to Deadline, the lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, marks Schneider’s pushback against the series that promised to expose the toxic culture behind beloved children’s TV programs. Schneider contends that Quiet on Set has allegedly tarnished his reputation and legacy. The series did shed light on troubling incidents, including the employment of individuals later revealed as child sexual abusers on Schneider’s shows.
However, Schneider asserts he had no knowledge or involvement in their misconduct. Following the release of the series, Schneider publicly apologized for his past behavior depicted in Quiet on Set. In a reflective 19-minute interview posted on YouTube, he acknowledged his mistakes and pledged accountability for his actions. Now, he seeks to hold the series accountable for what he perceives as a damaging portrayal.
Via Deadline, in a statement accompanying the lawsuit, Schneider expressed remorse for his past actions but vehemently denied being a child sexual abuser. He condemned the show Quiet on Set as a “hit job” that has impacted his reputation unfairly.
According to Deadline, they have reached out to Warner Bros. for comment on the lawsuit, and responses from the defendants are awaited.
This lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding Schneider and his impact on the entertainment industry, underscoring the complex and often contentious issues that continue to surface in Hollywood’s reflection on its past practices. You can also learn more about the Quiet On Set documentary here.