Ex-Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider apologizes after 'Quiet on Set' docuseries

Dan Schneider, who used to produce shows for Nickelodeon aimed at preteens and teenagers during the 2000s and 2010s, has expressed regret for his conduct and the work environment on the show sets.

Schneider, who left the network in 2018, spoke up after the Investigation Discovery show "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," played on Sunday and Monday.

While speaking with actor BooG!e, also known as Bobbie K. Bowman, via video chat, Schneider admitted that watching the docuseries was a challenging and humiliating experience.

"Confronting my previous actions, which consist of some humiliating incidents that I feel remorseful about, is essential. I certainly owe a sincere apology to certain individuals," expressed Schneider.

On Tuesday, Schneider's YouTube channel featured a video of him conversing with Bowman, who portrayed T-Bo in "iCarly".

Schneider created several of Nickelodeon's highly popular programs such as "All That," "The Amanda Show," "Drake and Josh," and "iCarly."

The TV show "Quiet on Set" had a group of actors and ex-child stars making claims of abuse, inappropriate conduct, and an unhealthy workplace atmosphere during their time working on programs produced by Schneider.

Schneider expressed regret for putting someone in an uncomfortable position and added that it was wrong of him to let it happen. He also apologized to anyone who may have been affected by his actions.

Many individuals who were present at the scene might have also experienced discomfort. Therefore, I need to apologize to them as well.

According to Schneider, if there are any uncertain contents or humorous remarks in the programs, they must be excluded from archived and repeated episodes.

Schneider mentioned that each of those humorous statements was created specifically to entertain young viewers because they found them comical. However, nowadays certain grown-ups may view these statements, some two decades later, through a new perspective. I don't object to this viewpoint, and I suggest we expunge those comical remarks from the program.

He repeated what he had already stated before, saying that numerous network leaders agreed with the material and appearance of his programs. He also mentioned that there were numerous grownups present during filming, yet no one ever expressed any objections.

He also discussed a previous inquiry that occurred prior to his departure from the network and asserted that no misconduct was discovered.

According to a representative for Schneider, the only information that has been discovered is that he was a difficult, resilient, and exacting individual to collaborate with and work for.

The blog post titled "Silent During Filming," reports that Drake Bell, the actor known for his role in the TV series "Drake and Josh," has made allegations against Brian Peck, a coach responsible for helping actors with their lines.

Peck, who worked closely with Schneider on shows such as "All That" and "The Amanda Show," was apprehended in 2003 for "lewd acts with a child." The Los Angeles Police Department stated in a press release that Peck had sexually assaulted an unnamed minor with whom he had worked for half a year. Bell had made regular appearances on "The Amanda Show."

Peck was found guilty of engaging in lewd or sexual conduct with a 14- or 15-year-old and performing oral sex on a minor under 16, after he entered a plea of no contest. This was revealed in a case summary issued by Los Angeles County Superior Court. As a result, he received a prison sentence of 16 months.

Nobody from Peck has given a reply to the comment request.

Schneider became sentimental regarding the situation and proclaimed he did not employ Peck.

He mentioned that he made an effort to support the performers by assisting Bell's mother during Bell's legal troubles.

Bell received a punishment of two years probation due to a charge of exposing a child to potential harm. Reports show that he manipulated a young victim at the age of 12, which led to the accusation of "grooming". He admitted to committing a felony related to child endangerment, as well as a charge for spreading inappropriate materials to minors.

Schneider suggested that TV productions involving child actors ought to have therapists present during filming. These therapists should be given authority to assess whether or not a child genuinely desires to be working.

"He mentioned that if a child is not interested in appearing on a television program, they have the option to decline the offer."

There has been no response yet from Nickelodeon regarding Schneider's video apology. A representative from the network gave a statement on the documentary series before, but it's unknown if they'll address the apology.

While it's difficult to confirm or deny claims about past production behaviors, Nickelodeon thoroughly investigates all formal complaints as a way to uphold their commitment to providing a safe and professional work environment that is free from any sort of inappropriate conduct or harassment. They prioritize the well-being and interests of not only their employees, cast, and crew, but also of all children. This has led them to implement various measures over the years to ensure that they maintain high standards and meet the expectations of their viewers.

Alexa Nikolas, who acted as Nicole Bristow on "Zoey 101" on Nickelodeon, voiced her concerns about the need for better protection measures for young actors during a livestream on her YouTube channel on Tuesday. She suggested the implementation of third-party advocates and the termination of nondisclosure agreements for minors.

She shared her thoughts outside the offices of Nickelodeon in Burbank, California on Tuesday, saying that she doesn't sympathize with Dan Schneider because it's unfortunate that it took him so much time to apologize to us.

She stated that you not only harassed me but also placed me in a predicament where predators may perceive me as a youngster in a certain way. Your claim of being ashamed is laughable.

In the YouTube video, Schneider stated that he lacked experience while managing some of a cable network's most valuable franchises. He admitted that on occasion he was impolite.

He mentioned that he might come across as arrogant and have overly high expectations of himself.

Schneider expressed that if given a chance to redo, he would have done things differently and handled the situation with kindness.

Dennis Romero works as a reporter who covers breaking news for NBC News Digital.

Daysia Tolentino works for NBC News as a reporter who covers cultural trends.