Disney Star Says Universal Fired Him for Reporting “Pedophile” Coworker
A former Disney Channel actor is accusing Universal Studios Hollywood of wrongful termination after allegedly reporting a 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 Southern California theme park approximately one month ago following his report.
Steven Anthony Lawrence Tells All
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.
Lawrence wrote:
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.
View this post on Instagram
The former Disney Channel star did not provide evidence supporting his allegations. However, 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!”
Lawrence later acknowledged the flood of similar stories: “The frightening thing is this post has had so many other people speak out with their own accounts and has given me more ammunition then I realized.”
Contradictory Claims Emerge
Not all commenters sided with Lawrence. Several users claiming knowledge of the situation placed blame on the actor himself.
“Steven, I have a message from you that says others were saying you were the pedophile and unless they had evidence it meant nothing,” said @stiltwhisperer. “You sent me this message unprompted. The company said No, no one has called you this so they won’t investigate your claim. Call is coming from inside the house. Also you were a menace to work with, onstage and off. Left your glasses in the middle of the floor during a set and then yelled at the dressers that they moved your glasses so they wouldn’t get stepped on(tip of the iceberg).”
“Steven, you were the worst to the dressers and PA’s and other performers, you had the worst attitude every single day, seemed like you were on drugs or having a bad come down most days,” @mariah_goodnight replied. “You made everyone’s day worse, purposely and intentionally. Stop the lies. Get the help you need.”
None of these allegations against Universal Studios Hollywood or Steven Anthony Lawrence can be independently confirmed. The statements represent solely the opinions of individuals who posted Instagram comments.
Universal Studios Hollywood Issues Statement
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.”
Steven Anthony Lawrence has not publicly responded to Universal Studios Hollywood’s statement.
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