Former Disney Channel actor Steven Anthony Lawrence has alleged that he was terminated from his position at Universal Studios Hollywood after raising concerns about a “suspected pedophile.” This claim was made public in an Instagram post shared on January 3, 2024, where Lawrence detailed the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.
Lawrence, recognized for his role as Bernard “Beans” Aranguren in the hit series Even Stevens, expressed that he reported an incident internally, believing it posed a risk to children. He claims that this action ultimately resulted in his firing. In his statement, he mentioned having waited several weeks before speaking out, hoping that the matter could be resolved privately.
“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,” Lawrence wrote. He indicated that both a supervisor and a representative from the company’s human resources department were involved in the decision regarding his termination. While he did not disclose specific details about the alleged incident or the individual involved, his concerns appear to be significant to him.
In a strong statement, Lawrence added, “With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD. Be safe, everyone.” His post resonated with many, prompting a wave of support from fans and former colleagues who commended his courage in bringing the issue to light.
In response to Lawrence’s allegations, a spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood issued a statement to various media outlets, including PEOPLE. The spokesperson stated, “We have investigated and reviewed the concerns brought forward by this former employee, and they were found to be inaccurate and without merit.” This counterstatement raises questions about the nature of the reported incident and the company’s internal processes for handling such serious allegations.
As this situation continues to unfold, it highlights broader discussions surrounding child safety in entertainment environments and the responsibilities of organizations to protect minors. The public reaction and support for Lawrence may influence further scrutiny of Universal Studios Hollywood’s policies and practices related to employee reports of misconduct.
The outcome of this case remains uncertain, but it underscores the importance of addressing claims of potential harm, particularly when it involves the safety of children.
