Los Angeles, CA – Former “Zoey 101” star Matthew Underwood reveals that he left the acting industry after being sexually assaulted by his agent at the age of 19. Underwood, known for his role as Logan Reese in the popular Nickelodeon show, made the revelation in response to recent allegations of abuse and toxicity at Nickelodeon.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Underwood shared his harrowing experiences of being groomed and molested at the age of 12 by a friend’s stepfather. He also detailed the sexual harassment and assault he endured from his agent, leading to his decision to leave Los Angeles and end his acting career.
The “Quiet on Set” docuseries, which shed light on abuse in the entertainment industry, prompted Underwood to speak out against the harassment he faced from fans demanding a response to the allegations at Nickelodeon. Despite the backlash, he emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind someone’s decision to stay silent on such matters.
Underwood’s bravery in coming forward with his story comes in the wake of other former child stars, like Drake Bell, opening up about their own experiences of abuse in the industry. The spotlight has also been on Nickelodeon creator Dan Schneider, who faced accusations of sexualizing child stars on the network’s shows.
As the conversation around abuse and misconduct in Hollywood continues to evolve, Underwood’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors and holding those responsible for such actions accountable. His courage in sharing his truth adds to the growing movement for change and justice in the entertainment industry.