Featured Image Credit: George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty Images
Topics: TV And Film, US News, Crime
Jen Thomas
Topics: TV And Film, US News, Crime
One of the stars of Even Stevens claims he lost his job at Universal Studios after reporting a 'suspected paedophile'.
Steven Anthony Lawrence is a former child star who is best known for his role as Bernard 'Beans' Aranguren on the Disney Channel series, which also starred Shia LaBeouf in the title role, from 2001 to 2003.
Aside from Even Stevens, the 35-year-old also starred in other TV shows, including That’s So Raven, The Amanda Show, and Frasier.
On Saturday (3 January), the actor claims he was fired by his employer, Universal Studios Hollywood, after allegedly reporting a suspected paedophile at the theme park.
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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," he wrote on the Instagram post, which featured a picture of his ID pass, nametag, and a costume.
“It is with a heavy heart I have to announce that my time with Universal Studios has ended,” he continued.
Lawrence went on to claim that a boss at Universal Studios and an HR representative had fired him 'to retaliate for reporting a suspected pedofile [sic] around children'.
However, he did not elaborate on any further details regarding his claims.
“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,” he wrote.
"With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD. Be safe, everyone.”
A spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood has denied the allegations made by Lawrence in a statement.
The spokesperson told PEOPLE: "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."
As well as acting, Lawrence co-hosted an Even Stevens podcast alongside his former co-stars, Christy Romano and Nick Sapano, where they reflected on the show and their experiences.
The podcast ran from March to July 2023, as it was paused due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, with Romano adding on Instagram that it would be returning once negotiations had settled.
However, it has not yet returned.
Tyla has reached out to Universal Studios for comment.