Current:Home > FinanceMelissa Joan Hart expresses solidarity with Nickelodeon child stars in 'Quiet on Set' docuseries -Infinite Edge Learning
Melissa Joan Hart expresses solidarity with Nickelodeon child stars in 'Quiet on Set' docuseries
View
Date:2025-04-13 06:28:06
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! (9646)
Related
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Lake Minnetonka just misses breaking 100-year record, ice remains after warm winter
- Nebraska woman used rewards card loophole for 7,000 gallons of free gas: Reports
- Four astronauts from four countries return to Earth after six months in orbit
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Restraining order against U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert’s ex-husband dropped at her request
- Get 20% Off Charlotte Tilbury, 50% Off Adidas, $600 Off Saatva Mattresses, $17 Comforters & More Deals
- Climate, a major separator for Biden and Trump, is a dividing line in many other races, too
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Climate, a major separator for Biden and Trump, is a dividing line in many other races, too
Ranking
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Princess Kate's edited photo carries lessons about posting on social media
- Former Alabama Republican US Rep. Robert Terry Everett dies at 87
- New York police crack down on vehicles avoiding tolls with fake license plates
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- How Does Love Is Blind’s Chelsea Feel About Trevor Now? She Says…
- 4 space station flyers return to Earth with spectacular pre-dawn descent
- See Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval Face Off in Uncomfortable Preview
Recommendation
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
Wife pleads guilty in killing of UConn professor, whose body was left in basement for months
Scott Peterson appears virtually in California court as LA Innocence Project takes up murder case
Uvalde police chief who was on vacation during Robb Elementary shooting resigns
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
Two pilots fall asleep mid-flight with more than 150 on board 36,000 feet in the air
Eric Carmen, 'All By Myself' singer and frontman of the Raspberries, dies at 74
Wisconsin Republicans fire eight more Evers appointees, including regents and judicial watchdogs