Current:Home > FinanceMelissa Joan Hart expresses solidarity with Nickelodeon child stars in 'Quiet on Set' docuseries -TrueNorth Finance Path
Melissa Joan Hart expresses solidarity with Nickelodeon child stars in 'Quiet on Set' docuseries
View
Date:2025-04-16 21:51:49
Melissa Joan Hart is standing by the former Nickelodeon child stars who spoke out about alleged abuse in the docuseries "Quiet on Set."
Hart, 47, who starred in Nickelodeon’s "Clarissa Explains It All" from 1991 to 1994, shared on Thursday's episode of the "Meghan McCain Has Entered The Chat" podcast that she never experienced the same trauma at the network, but is still standing by the alleged victims.
"I don’t know other people’s experiences and I’m not negating anything anybody else says. I’ve never been told these people’s stories that are in the (documentary). And I have to say, I’ve never heard a story from a Nickelodeon star personally, nobody’s come to me and talked to me about any of these situations," she said, but added, "I absolutely trust them, believe them, 100%."
"Quiet on Set" covers allegations against producer Dan Schneider, who is accused of creating a toxic work environment on his Nickelodeon shows and engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as asking female employees for massages on set. Many interview subjects also argued that jokes written by Schneider had sexual implications and were not suitable for shows starring minors.
"Drake & Josh" star Drake Bell also alleged that former Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck sexually assaulted him, and a mother alleged that a production assistant, Jason Handy, sent her daughter a photograph of himself masturbating.
Hart noted that when she was with Nickelodeon, they filmed on a set in Orlando, Florida, rather than the network's set in Hollywood, where many of the alleged incidents took place.
“In Orlando, I had nothing but a wonderful experience," she said. "They did work the kids a lot harder than they probably legally should. We had a ton of fun, it was just long hours, that’s all – because I had to do school and the show."
The "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" star said that she had a very "protective" cast and crew "that took such good care of me."
"I have to say, not every egg in the Nickelodeon basket is rotten. There were some good eggs – there were some people that really took care of me," she added.
Hart's comments echoed those of Keenan Thompson, who said during an interview on "Tamron Hall" Wednesday that much of the alleged inappropriate conduct that occurred behind the scenes at Nickelodeon happened after he left.
"It's a tough subject," the former "Kenan & Kel" star, 45, said. "It's tough for me because I can't really speak on things that I never witnessed, because all these things happened after I left, basically."
But he added, "My heart goes out to anybody that's been victimized or their families." He also said it's a "good thing" that the documentary is "putting things on display that need to be, stories that need to be told for accountability's sake," even though it's "tough to watch."
"I have fond memories of that place," Thompson explained. "I have fond memories of my co-stars and stuff like that, so to hear that they've gone through terrible things like that, it's really tough."
Schneider served as a producer on "All That," where Thompson got his start in television, as well as "Kenan & Kel," which starred Thompson and Kel Mitchell. Schneider also co-wrote the Nickelodeon movie "Good Burger," which was based on an "All That" sketch, and starred as the boss of Thompson's character.
Kenan Thompson calls for 'accountabilityafter 'Quiet on Set' doc: 'Investigate more'
In a statement shared with USA TODAY, a spokesperson for Schneider said that "everything that happened on the shows Dan ran was carefully scrutinized by dozens of involved adults, and approved by the network," adding, "Had there been any scenes or outfits that were inappropriate in any way, they would have been flagged and blocked by this multilayered scrutiny." In a YouTube video posted after the documentary aired, though, Schneider acknowledged he "definitely at times didn't give people the best of me" and apologized for being "just straight up rude and obnoxious."
Nickelodeon previously said in a statement to USA TODAY, "Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct."
Who is Drake Bell?What to know about the former Nickelodeon star's career and allegations
Thompson called for further action to be taken in response to the documentary. "Investigate more! It's supposed to be a safe space. It's supposed to be a safe place for kids," he said regarding Nickelodeon's response. "To hear all about that is just like, 'How dare you?'"
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
veryGood! (3583)
Related
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Bears signing Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles' husband, to 2-year deal: 'Chicago here he comes'
- Corrections officers sentenced in case involving assault of inmate and cover up
- Gymshark 70% Off Deals Won’t Be Here for Long: Save Big, Train Hard
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Raya helps Arsenal beat Porto on penalties to reach Champions League quarterfinals
- It's Purdue and the rest leading Big Ten men's tournament storylines, schedule and bracket
- ‘The Fall Guy,’ a love letter to stunt performers, premieres at SXSW
- Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
- Pennsylvania governor backs a new plan to make power plants pay for greenhouse gases
Ranking
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Teen Mom's Cheyenne Floyd Says This Is the Secret to a Healthy Sex Life
- Roman Polanski civil trial over alleged 1973 rape of girl is set for 2025
- Anticipating the Stanley cup Neon Collection drop: What to know if you want a Spring Fling cup
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- TEA Business College generously supports children’s welfare
- Some college basketball coaches make more than their NBA counterparts
- Returns from Tommy John surgery may seem routine. Recovery can be full of grief, angst and isolation
Recommendation
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
Matthew Perry's Stepdad Keith Morrison Details Source of Comfort 4 Months After Actor's Death
Eric Carmen, All By Myself and Hungry Eyes singer, dies at age 74
Active-shooter-drill bill in California would require advance notice, ban fake gunfire
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Mississippi will allow quicker Medicaid coverage during pregnancy to try to help women and babies
John Mulaney Supports Olivia Munn After She Shares Breast Cancer Battle
New Study Shows Planting Trees May Not Be as Good for the Climate as Previously Believed