Steven Anthony Lawrence says Universal Studios Hollywood punished the wrong person. The former Disney Channel actor alleges he reported a coworker he believed posed a danger to children, only to lose his own job while the suspected individual remained employed. Lawrence, who played “Beans” on Even Stevens, worked as an entertainment team member at the Southern California theme park before his recent termination.
Steven Anthony Lawrence Breaks Month-Long Silence
Lawrence waited approximately one month before sharing his story publicly, revealing this weekend on Instagram and Facebook that he'd been fired from Universal Studios Hollywood. The actor explained that he initially hoped to settle matters privately with his former employer, but ultimately decided that others needed to know what had happened.
His social media post included a photograph of his Universal Studios Hollywood employee credentials positioned next to what looked like a Toad costume from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Lawrence's lengthy caption detailed his version of events.
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
Lawrence provided no documentation supporting his claims. Despite the lack of evidence, his Even Stevens co-star Christy Carlson Romano publicly backed him, commenting: “Good for you Steven! 👏”
Wave of Similar Stories
Lawrence's post opened floodgates of complaints from others claiming mistreatment at Universal Studios Hollywood. Multiple commenters described witnessing or experiencing retaliation after reporting workplace problems at the Southern California theme park.
Instagram user @dammit_girkenstein_aka_shaggy shared: “Sadly, my friend was also retaliated against at Universal studios for reporting harassment against female employees.”
“Unfortunately, this is the least surprising result of the situation,” said @andrewjroberts_. “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 responded to the mounting allegations: “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.”
Former Colleagues Paint Different Picture
Several commenters claiming firsthand knowledge of the situation offered dramatically different accounts that portrayed Lawrence as the problem employee.
“Steven, I have a message from you that says others were saying you were the pedophile and unless they had evidence it meant nothing,” @stiltwhisperer commented. “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).”
Instagram user @mariah_goodnight accused Lawrence of creating a toxic work environment: “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. You made everyone's day worse, purposely and intentionally. Stop the lies. Get the help you need.”
These allegations against both Universal Studios Hollywood and Steven Anthony Lawrence remain unverified. The statements reflect only the perspectives of individuals commenting on social media.
Company Denies Wrongdoing
Universal Studios Hollywood broke its silence on January 4 with a statement to TMZ dismissing Lawrence's accusations. 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.”
Lawrence has not publicly addressed Universal Studios Hollywood's response.
What do you think of Universal Studios Hollywood's actions against Steven Anthony Lawrence? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
