Current:Home > InvestKenan Thompson calls for 'accountability' after 'Quiet on Set' doc: 'Investigate more' -AssetScope
Kenan Thompson calls for 'accountability' after 'Quiet on Set' doc: 'Investigate more'
View
Date:2025-04-15 05:35:27
Kenan Thompson is breaking his silence on the Nickelodeon allegations levied in "Quiet on Set."
The former "Kenan & Kel" star, 45, spoke Wednesday on "Tamron Hall" about the Investigation Discovery documentary series, which detailed alleged inappropriate conduct that occurred behind the scenes of Nickelodeon. Thompson, who got his start as a child actor on the network, did not participate in the documentary.
"It's a tough subject," the comedian 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."
"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 by 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.
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.
Who is Drake Bell?What to know about the former Nickelodeon star's career and allegations
Thompson said that his and Schneider's worlds weren't necessarily "overly overlapping" much while he was at Nickelodeon, though, and that he wasn't aware of much of the "negativity" covered in the documentary.
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."
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."
Who is Dan Schneider?The Nickelodeon 'golden boy' accused of abusive behavior in new doc
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."
In "Quiet on Set," "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.
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."
But Thompson called for further action to be taken in response to the documentary, saying, "Investigate more! It's supposed to be a safe space. It's supposed to be a safe place for kids. To hear all about that is just like, 'How dare you?'"
After his stint on Nickelodeon, Thompson went on to join "Saturday Night Live," where he is now the show's longest-serving cast member. Last year, he reunited with Mitchell on "Good Burger 2," which was produced by Nickelodeon Movies. Schneider did not return for the sequel after Nickelodeon cut ties with him in 2018.
Contributing: Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY
veryGood! (7325)
Related
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- US inflation likely edged up last month, though not enough to deter another Fed rate cut
- Atmospheric river and potential bomb cyclone bring chaotic winter weather to East Coast
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did
- Not sure what to write in your holiday card? These tips can help: Video tutorial
- Ohio Supreme Court sides with pharmacies in appeal of $650 million opioid judgment
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Small plane crashes onto New York highway, killing 1 person and injuring another
Ranking
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- 10 cars with 10 cylinders: The best V
- Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did
- Friend for life: Mourning dog in Thailand dies at owner's funeral
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Morgan Wallen's Chair Throwing Case Heading to Criminal Court
- 'We are all angry': Syrian doctor describes bodies from prisons showing torture
- Aaron Taylor
Recommendation
Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
New York Climate Activists Urge Gov. Hochul to Sign ‘Superfund’ Bill
'Squirrel stuck in a tree' tops funniest wildlife photos of the year: See the pictures
Arctic Tundra Shifts to Source of Climate Pollution, According to New Report Card
Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
Wisconsin kayaker who faked his death and fled to Eastern Europe is in custody, online records show
Aaron Taylor
Orcas are hunting whale sharks. Is there anything they can't take down?