Devon Werkheiser, known for his role in “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” has issued an apology to former co-star Drake Bell after facing criticism for his remarks regarding the docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.”
In a statement shared on social media, Werkheiser expressed regret for his previous comments, acknowledging that he had spoken without fully understanding the gravity of the situation. He admitted to feeling horrible about his remarks and stated that watching “Quiet on Set” had left him horrified by the experiences shared by Bell and others.
The apology comes shortly after Bell called out Werkheiser for seemingly making light of the documentary during a TikTok livestream. Werkheiser’s comments, along with those of other “Ned’s Declassified” alums Lindsay Shaw and Daniel Curtis Lee, sparked backlash online.
During the livestream, Werkheiser made inappropriate jokes and compared his own experience on Nickelodeon to Bell’s, emphasizing that their set was not like the one described in the documentary. However, he later retracted these statements, recognizing that his words had compounded the hurt caused by the revelations in “Quiet on Set.”
In the docuseries, Bell bravely came forward with allegations of sexual abuse he experienced during his time working on Nickelodeon shows. The series also sheds light on alleged difficult working conditions under producer Dan Schneider.
Nickelodeon, in response to Bell’s revelations, expressed support for the actor and emphasized their commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment. The network also acknowledged the trauma Bell endured and commended his strength in coming forward.
As the fallout from “Quiet on Set” continues to reverberate through the industry, Werkheiser’s apology to Bell serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding when discussing sensitive topics. It also underscores the need for accountability and reflection, particularly in light of serious allegations of misconduct and abuse within the entertainment industry.
