THE FEDERALIST/ PATRINA MOSLEY-
Investigation Discovery’s five-part docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” uncovered the abuse and toxicity that took place behind the scenes of some of the most beloved childhood shows for millennials. It also indirectly showcased the role pornography played in the sexual abuse and harassment of those on the set.
In the fifth episode of the docuseries, “All That” cast member Shane Lyons says he hopes this documentary “isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan moment of interest” because something must change. We have to take a serious look at some underlying issues we have as a society that contribute to this horrific epidemic.
Nickelodeon Nightmare
In the docuseries, staff and child actors alleged that they were routinely verbally and emotionally abused and retaliated against by Nickelodeon writer and producer Dan Schneider. Female staff said they were made to split their salaries and perform massages on Schneider.
Writers claimed they were forced to write pornographic “humor” for children to act out, pornography was played on the set, and pedophiles were grooming, sexually abusing, and soliciting sex from child actors.
Testimony from writers and child actors expounded on the fact that they were forced to do scenes that depicted crotch shots to the face, foot fetishism, using objects or food to depict sexual acts with a penis, using teen girls as the focus of sexual foreplay, and participating in degrading and humiliating acts.
Where did Schneider and others get these types of ideas from? And why were they written for children?
Predators on Set
Drake Bell, featured in the docuseries, came forward as the John Doe in the 2003 sexual assault case against then-dialogue coach Brian Peck. When asked to elaborate on the abuse that took place, Bell replied, “The abuse was extensive and it got pretty brutal. … Why don’t you think of the worst stuff that someone could do to somebody as a sexual assault, and then I’ll answer your question. I don’t know how else to put it.” Continue reading…
