In a brave and heartfelt statement on Instagram, former "Zoey 101" actor Matthew Underwood has come forward about being sexually abused during his childhood. The revelation comes in response to the recent release of the docuseries "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," which exposed the disturbing experiences of former child stars in the entertainment industry.

Underwood's candid admission sheds light on the dark side of the industry, bringing attention to the issue of sexual abuse faced by young actors. The documentary included interviews with other former child stars, parents, and Nickelodeon employees, with actor Drake Bell also sharing his experience of being molested as a teen actor.

Speaking directly to his followers, Underwood wrote, "I never thought I'd have to talk about this publicly, as it's honestly none of your business anyway." He revealed that at the age of 12, he was groomed and molested by his best friend's stepfather, causing him to lose those close relationships. Additionally, at 19, he experienced sexual harassment and assault by his agent, who had gained his trust as a friend and mentor.

Underwood asserted that he reported the agent to the agency, resulting in his termination. However, the agent continues to be active in the entertainment industry. This traumatic experience ultimately led Underwood to step away from his pursuit of acting and relocate from Los Angeles.

The actor also addressed the online harassment and hateful messages he has received, acknowledging the potential backlash faced by those who speak out against such abuses. He urged empathy for individuals who choose to remain silent, emphasizing that personal and valid reasons might prevent them from publicly sharing their experiences.

Moreover, Underwood shared his empathy for anyone who has been taken advantage of and expressed hopes for their healing and support from loved ones. He urged others to consider the reasons why some victims may choose not to disclose their experiences and to refrain from shaming them for protecting their privacy.

In his statement, Underwood also addressed the allegations of a toxic workplace environment surrounding "Zoey 101" creator Dan Schneider. He stated that he had nothing negative to report about his time on set and that he believes in the potential for personal growth and positive change in individuals, including Schneider.

Underwood concluded his powerful message by calling for empathy and understanding, imploring people to refrain from harassing those who opt to maintain their privacy. He emphasized the importance of treating each other with compassion and not making assumptions about one another's personal experiences.

The actor ended his statement by expressing gratitude towards his current agents, Lauren Green and Sam Hampton, for their unwavering support and protection throughout his career. Underwood credited them with playing a pivotal role in his continued presence in the entertainment industry.

Matthew Underwood's candid disclosure is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by young actors in the industry and the importance of raising awareness about sexual abuse. It serves as a call to action for the entertainment industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of its young talents, ensuring a better and safer environment for all.