Los Angeles, California – Former Nickelodeon star Matthew Underwood, known for his role in the show “Zoey 101,” has come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault by his former agent. In a social media post, Underwood revealed that the traumatic experience led him to leave the acting industry.
At the age of 19, Underwood shared that he was sexually harassed and assaulted by his agent, who had built a friendship and mentorship with him. The betrayal of trust and the impact on his self-image ultimately led to his decision to step away from acting. Despite reporting the agent to the agency and his subsequent firing, Underwood expressed concern over the agent’s continued involvement in the industry.
The former actor’s revelations come in the wake of Investigation Discovery’s documentary “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” which includes allegations against Dan Schneider, the creator of “Zoey 101.” In response to criticism and harassment for his silence on the docuseries, Underwood shared his experience and defended his decision not to speak out earlier.
Facing online attacks and accusations, Underwood addressed the hateful messages and emphasized his focus on self-growth and resilience. He also extended understanding to others in the industry who may have chosen to remain silent for personal reasons, highlighting the complexities of speaking out against abuse.
During his time on “Zoey 101,” Underwood portrayed the character of Logan Reese alongside co-stars like Jamie Lynn Spears and Erin Sanders. Despite not having negative experiences on set, Underwood shared his belief in the potential for individuals to grow and change, including Dan Schneider. While he does not anticipate working with Schneider again, Underwood expressed a desire for personal growth and improvement within the industry.
The actor’s decision to speak out sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry and the importance of addressing issues of harassment and abuse. By sharing his story, Underwood aims to promote understanding and advocacy for survivors of sexual misconduct in the entertainment world.