Kenan Thompson, former Nickelodeon star and current “Saturday Night Live” comedian, has spoken out in support of his Nickelodeon family following the release of the Investigation Discovery docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.” The series explores allegations of sexual abuse, racism, and sexism behind the scenes of the network’s iconic shows.
Thompson expressed his sympathy for those who shared their stories, stating that his “heart goes out to anybody that’s been victimized or their families.” While he acknowledged the importance of bringing these issues to light for accountability, he also noted that many of the allegations, including those against producer Dan Schneider, occurred after he had left the network in the early 2000s.
Despite not participating in the documentary, Thompson believes there should be further investigation into the allegations, emphasizing that Nickelodeon should be a safe place for kids. Several other Nickelodeon alums, including Katrina Johnson and Drake Bell, appeared in the documentary, with Bell revealing his involvement in a 2004 sexual assault case.
In response to the allegations, Schneider released a video addressing his past behaviors and expressing regret for any harm caused. Nickelodeon issued a statement commending Bell for coming forward and stating their commitment to investigating all formal complaints to ensure a safe workplace environment.
As the industry continues to grapple with these revelations, Thompson’s support for his former colleagues and his call for accountability highlight the importance of addressing misconduct in the entertainment industry.
