A former Disney Channel actor is accusing Universal Studios Hollywood of wrongful termination after they fired him for daring to report a “pedophile” coworker he suspected of being a danger to children.
Steven Anthony Lawrence, best known for playing “Beans” on the early 2000s sitcom Even Stevens, claims he lost his entertainment team member position at the California theme park earlier this year following his report.
Steven Anthony Lawrence went public with his allegations over the weekend, posting identical messages to Instagram and Facebook. The actor shared a photo showing his Universal Studios Hollywood nametag and employee badge propped against what appears to be a Toad costume from Super Nintendo World.
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Lawrence wrote:
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I delayed posting this for about a month because I was hoping we could find some sort of amicable solution because I absolutely loved performing and dancing with all you amazing people.
It is with a heavy heart I have to announce that my time with Universal Studios has ended because my Boss @vonblonde and her H.R. representative Julia.Mira@udx.com wants to retaliate for reporting a suspected pedofile around children.
While I will truly miss my job I cannot be associated with an organization or people that don’t care about performer or guest safety while numerous people continue to get hurt.
With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD.
Be safe everyone.
His post received support from fans and former Even Stevens co-star Christy Carlson Romano, who commented: “Good for you Steven! 👏”
Additional Allegations Surface in Comments
Lawrence’s post prompted several social media users to share their own negative experiences with Universal Studios Hollywood management and human resources.
“Sadly, my friend was also retaliated against at Universal studios for reporting harassment against female employees,” @dammit_girkenstein_aka_shaggy commented.
@andrewjroberts_ replied:
“Unfortunately, this is the least surprising result of the situation. I walked past the man who a friend of mine had spent 9 months reporting his sexual harassment towards her and other women on the same day she got fired. I spent a month fighting for my life and eventually being caught on a technicality after disagreeing with my manager once. Universal, and specifically SNW and their HR friends, don’t care for employees, they just care about having yesmen. I’m so sorry you lost your job, you were literally the best Toad there was!”
Universal Studios Hollywood addressed Lawrence’s allegations on January 4 through a statement provided to TMZ. A company spokesperson said:
“We have investigated and reviewed the concerns brought forward by this former employee and they were found to be inaccurate and without merit. We take all employee concerns seriously and have established processes for raising any concerns without fear of retaliation.”
