Emma Roberts recently shared her feelings of sadness and shock after watching the documentary, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which shed light on the alleged on-set abuse and sexual misconduct experienced by some of her former Nickelodeon co-stars. In an interview with Variety, Roberts discussed her reaction to the documentary and how it contrasted with her own experience on the show Unfabulous.
Having starred in Unfabulous from 2004 to 2007, Roberts admitted that she was unaware of the abuse happening to other actors at the time. She expressed her horror and sadness upon learning about the experiences of her colleagues, emphasizing that she had no idea about the turmoil behind the scenes. Roberts credited the show’s woman showrunner, Sue Rose, for providing a safe working environment, which she now realizes was not common in the industry back then.
The documentary, released in 2024, exposed the alleged abusive behavior of producer Dan Schneider and acting coach Brian Peck, leading to Peck’s conviction on charges of sexual abuse. It also highlighted the lack of parental access on set, a concern that Roberts did not personally experience as her mother accompanied her constantly. Despite this, Roberts acknowledged the importance of creating a safe and protective environment for child actors, as well as adults, on set.
Joining other former child stars like Ariana Grande in addressing the documentary’s revelations, Roberts emphasized the need for a safer work environment in the entertainment industry. She expressed her sadness over the situation and stressed the importance of protecting children and adults alike during productions. Reflecting on the impact of the documentary, Roberts admitted that it had a profound effect on her and kept her up at night.
In light of the documentary’s findings, it is evident that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in the entertainment industry. Roberts’ candid reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and ongoing efforts to create a positive and secure environment for everyone in the industry.