The “Zoey 101” star opens up about past abuses, highlighting the importance of personal healing and privacy

Matthew Underwood, best known for his role as Logan Reese on the Nickelodeon show “Zoey 101,” recently revealed the reasons behind his departure from acting, citing traumatic experiences of sexual assault and harassment. In a candid Instagram post, Underwood, now 33, addressed the inquiries and pressure from fans following the “Quiet on Set” docuseries, which shed light on alleged abuses within Nickelodeon.

Underwood’s statement reveals a history of abuse that began at the age of 12, with the sexual molestation by his best friend’s stepfather, a figure he once trusted. This early betrayal, coupled with a subsequent sexual assault by his agent at 19, led Underwood to leave Los Angeles and cease pursuing his acting career. He described how these experiences shattered his self-image and trust, prompting him to rebuild his life away from the industry spotlight.

Despite the allegations of toxicity and abuse at Nickelodeon brought up by the “Quiet on Set” docuseries, Underwood emphasized his personal decision to remain silent on these issues. He clarified that his silence should not be misconstrued as apathy towards the suffering of others or as a defence of accused individuals within the industry. Instead, he highlighted the importance of respecting individuals’ choices to deal with their traumas privately and without judgment.

Underwood’s revelations come at a time when the entertainment industry is increasingly scrutinized for its handling of sexual abuse allegations. His decision to share his story reflects a broader movement of survivors coming forward to speak about their experiences. However, it also underscores the complex dynamics of victimhood and the personal journey of healing that each survivor undertakes.

In his statement, Underwood addressed the harmful effects of online harassment, specifically mentioning accusations of being a “pedophile defender” and receiving death wishes against his family. He called for empathy and understanding towards those who choose not to publicly discuss their experiences, reminding the public of the potential unseen traumas individuals may carry.

The “Quiet on Set” docuseries, which has sparked widespread discussion and controversy, features personal accounts from several former child stars, including allegations against Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck and studio head Dan Schneider. Schneider, who parted ways with Nickelodeon in 2018, recently apologized for any behaviour that might have been interpreted as inappropriate, though his representative emphasized that all show content underwent thorough review and approval processes.

Underwood’s brave disclosure sheds light on the deep-seated issues within the entertainment industry and the personal toll they take on individuals. It also calls for a more compassionate approach to understanding and supporting survivors of abuse, emphasizing the need for privacy and respect in their healing processes.