In light of the shocking new docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” former Nickelodeon star Allie DiMeco has come forward with disturbing revelations of her own. DiMeco, who played Rosalina on “The Naked Brothers Band” from 2007-2009, shared on TikTok that she experienced trauma on the show, which allegedly included being forced to kiss a 30-year-old man when she was only 14 or 15 years old. Her claims add further momentum to the growing storm of accusations surrounding the treatment of child actors at the network.
“Quiet on Set” exposes horrifying allegations of abuse and a toxic work environment behind the scenes at Nickelodeon. One particularly harrowing account comes from former child star Drake Bell, who revealed he was the John Doe from a 2004 sexual abuse case involving former Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck. Peck pleaded no contest to charges and was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender.
DiMeco’s allegations primarily center around an episode of “The Naked Brothers Band” where her character Rosalina shares a brief romance with a French character named Michel, portrayed by Jake Hertzog. The actress alleges that despite voicing her discomfort and her mother’s objections, she was made to feel as if she would lose her job if she refused to participate in the scene. The experience, she says, still gives her “PTSD.”
The documentary also implicates former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider, claiming he was controlling, made sexually suggestive jokes, and was filmed in a hot tub with then 16-year-old actress Amanda Bynes. In response to these accusations, Schneider said, “I definitely owe some people a pretty strong apology.”
As the chilling accusations continue to emerge, it is clear that the curtain is being lifted on a deeply troubling reality behind the scenes of children’s television. Nickelodeon and those implicated must face the consequences of their actions and acknowledge the lasting impact this abuse has had on the lives of the young stars entrusted to their care.
In conclusion, Allie DiMeco’s courageous decision to speak out, coupled with the riveting accounts presented in “Quiet on Set,” serve as a crucial wake-up call to confront and remedy the systemic abuse within the entertainment industry. The time has come for real change, to create a safe environment for child actors and foster a culture that values their well-being above all else.
