Steven Anthony Lawrence, known for his role as 'Beans' on Disney Channel's 'Even Stevens', has publicly claimed that Universal Studios Hollywood fired him in retaliation. Lawrence states his termination followed his report of a suspected pedophile near children at the park. Universal Studios has denied these allegations, calling them "inaccurate and without merit."
Key Takeaways
- Steven Anthony Lawrence claims Universal Studios Hollywood fired him after he reported a suspected pedophile.
- Universal Studios Hollywood states their investigation found Lawrence's concerns to be "inaccurate and without merit."
- Lawrence shared his allegations on Instagram, expressing deep concerns about safety.
- Former co-star Christy Carlson Romano offered public support to Lawrence.
Actor Shares Allegations on Social Media
Lawrence first made his allegations public through an Instagram post. On his account, @findmychin, he shared a photo of his Universal Studios Hollywood nametag and badge, placed next to a Toad character hat. The post, dated approximately one month after the alleged events, detailed his experience.
He explained that he delayed posting in hopes of finding an "amicable solution." However, he ultimately felt compelled to share his story. Lawrence stated that his employment with Universal Studios ended because his boss and an HR representative allegedly retaliated against him for reporting a suspected pedophile.
"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 [email protected] wants to retaliate for reporting a suspected pedofile around children," Lawrence wrote in his post. "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."
Did You Know?
Steven Anthony Lawrence is widely recognized for his role as Bernard 'Beans' Aranguren in the popular Disney Channel series 'Even Stevens,' which aired from 2000 to 2003.
Universal Studios Responds to Claims
Following Lawrence's public statements, Universal Studios Hollywood issued a response. A spokesperson for the park provided a statement to Us Weekly, addressing the actor's claims directly.
The statement confirmed that Universal had investigated Lawrence's concerns. "We have investigated and reviewed the concerns brought forward by this former employee and they were found to be inaccurate and without merit," the spokesperson stated. Universal also emphasized its commitment to employee safety and established protocols.
"We take all employee concerns seriously and have established processes for raising any concerns without fear of retaliation," the Universal spokesperson added.
Lawrence did not provide specific evidence to support his claims in his Instagram post. The public exchange has generated significant discussion online.
Support from Former Co-Star
Among the many comments on Lawrence's Instagram post, his former 'Even Stevens' co-star, Christy Carlson Romano, publicly offered her support. Romano, who played Ren Stevens alongside Lawrence, commented, "Good for you, Steven."
Background on Lawrence and Romano
Steven Anthony Lawrence and Christy Carlson Romano co-hosted a podcast together in 2023 titled "Even More Even Stevens." Their continued association highlights a long-standing professional relationship since their time on the Disney Channel show.
This public endorsement from a former colleague adds another layer to the ongoing discussion. It underscores the personal impact of these allegations on individuals within the entertainment industry.
The allegations bring to light important conversations about workplace safety and reporting procedures. Both employees and guests expect a safe environment at major entertainment venues. Universal's statement highlights their internal processes for addressing such concerns seriously and without fear of retaliation.
Broader Implications for Park Safety
Incidents involving employee and guest safety are a critical concern for theme parks. Major entertainment complexes like Universal Studios Hollywood attract millions of visitors annually, including many families with children. Ensuring a secure environment is a top priority for these establishments.
These types of allegations, regardless of their outcome, often lead to increased scrutiny. They prompt discussions about how safety concerns are handled and how transparent companies are in their investigations. For consumers, especially parents, such news can influence their perceptions of a park's overall safety measures.
The claims made by Lawrence highlight the perceived gap that can exist between internal corporate investigations and an individual's personal experience. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication and robust systems for reporting and resolving sensitive issues.
As this situation unfolds, the public will likely continue to monitor for further details from both parties. The focus remains on the integrity of the investigation process and the safety protocols in place at large entertainment venues.
