Dan Schneider, the former Nickelodeon producer who created hit shows like iCarly, Victorious and Zoey 101, has been jailed for misconduct with child actors. He was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of minors, harassment and assault.
Schneider was accused of creating a “maddening, disgusting, controlling little bubble” at Nickelodeon, where he allegedly insisted on hyper-sexualized content in his shows, such as scenes involving food rubbing on teenage girls’ stomachs, goo pops mimicking sex acts and feet fetishism. He also allegedly created a hostile work environment and traumatized many of his staff and actors by yelling, throwing tantrums, sending angry messages and asking for massages.
Schneider was dismissed from Nickelodeon in 2018 after an internal investigation by ViacomCBS revealed his misconduct. He remained silent for three years until he gave an interview to the New York Times in 2021, where he denied any wrongdoing and claimed he had never interacted with the actors in any inappropriate way. He also said he had written and sold a new pilot to a different network.
However, his comeback attempt was thwarted by the testimony of several former child actors who came forward with their stories of abuse and exploitation by Schneider. Among them were Jennette McCurdy, who starred in iCarly and Sam & Cat, and Victoria Justice, who starred in Victorious. They both confirmed that Schneider was the unnamed “Creator” who had harmed them in their memoirs1. They also provided evidence of his inappropriate behavior, such as photos, videos and messages.
Schneider was arrested in January 2022 and charged with multiple counts of sexual exploitation of minors, harassment and assault. He initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. He was sentenced to five years in prison on February 22, 2023.
Schneider’s case has sparked outrage and condemnation from the public and the entertainment industry. Many have called for more accountability and protection for child actors who are vulnerable to abuse and manipulation by powerful figures. Schneider’s former colleagues and collaborators have also expressed their shock and disappointment at his actions. Nickelodeon has issued a statement saying that they are “deeply saddened and appalled” by Schneider’s crimes and that they stand with the victims. Such acts concerns well-being and safety of children at workplaces and therefore requires measures that ensures children’s safety from any misconduct or assault. To further educate and spread awareness with reference to such matters Safeguarding Children’s safety should be prioritized at such workplaces.
