Ex-Disney child star alleges Universal Studios fired him for 'reporting pedophile,' coworkers hit...
âEven Stevensâ star Steven Anthony Lawrence claimed he was let go from Universal Studios Hollywood, with one commenter writing that he was a âproblematic and difficultâ colleague.
Ex-Disney child star alleges Universal Studios fired him for âreporting pedophile,â coworkers hit back: âMenace to work withâ
"Even Stevens" star Steven Anthony Lawrence claimed he was let go from Universal Studios Hollywood, with one commenter writing that he was a "problematic and difficult" colleague.
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on January 6, 2026 5:44 p.m. ET
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Steven Anthony Lawrence and Shia LaBeouf in 'Even Stevens'. Credit:
- Former *Even Stevens* star Steven Anthony Lawrence alleged in an Instagram post that he was fired from Universal Studios Hollywood.
- The actor claimed he was let go after "reporting a suspected pedofile [sic] around children."
- Former colleagues responded to Lawrence's post by alleging that he was a "menace to work with."**
Disney Channel actor and *Even Stevens* alum Steven Anthony Lawrence has been called an alleged "menace to work with," after the one-time child star claimed he was fired from the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park after "reporting a suspected pedofile [sic] around children."
In an Instagram post shared Sunday, by the actor, Lawrence said that he "delayed posting this for about a month because I was hoping we could find some sort of amicable solution" to the situation, which he described as an end to his time working at the theme park "performing and dancing" as a member of the entertainment team.
"It is with a heavy heart I have to announce that my time with Universal Studios has ended," Lawrence, who played *Even Stevens* character Beans opposite Shia LaBeouf and Christy Carlson Romano, continued.**
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The cast of 'Even Stevens' on Disney Channel.
George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty
The 35-year-old alleged that the person, along with a boss, along with a human resources staffer, "wants to retaliate" against him for "reporting a suspected pedofile [sic] around children."
A Universal Studios Hollywood spokesperson said in a statement provided to EW: "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.â
Lawrence continued alleging neglect in the post, which included a photo of his former Universal ID and nametag.
"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.
In the comments, however, several people claiming to be employees of the theme park responded by alleging that Lawrence was a "problematic and difficult" colleague.**
Watch 'Even Stevens' cast reunite for show's 20th anniversary
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'Even Stevens' star Christy Carlson Romano felt 'like a failure' after Disney fame ended
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One commenter alleged, "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 wouldnât get stepped on (tip of the iceberg)."
Another asked, "So you just gonna pretend like you werent one of the most problematic and difficult performers we had at Universal? Everything about your post is so one-sided and honestly I donât care to provide further details about everything youâve ever done towards people backstage because youâre never gonna think that you were ever in the wrong. Just stop trying to be the victim because you know damn well youre not and they shouldâve let you go a long time ago for harassing everyone."
Still, others voiced support for Lawrence, with one commenter saying, "Iâm proud of you! I know how long youâve been sitting on this. You have my full support always and forever," while an additional reply urged Lawrence to "keep fighting" and said he displayed "bravery and integrity" in making his claim.
** has reached out to representatives for Lawrence for comment.
In addition to playing his memorable recurring role as Beans in Disney's *Even Stevens* sitcom between 2001 and 2003, Lawrence also appeared in several high-profile film projects.
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He co-starred in Mike Myers' live-action 2003 adaptation of *The Cat in the Hat*, and also acted opposite fellow Disney Channel star Hilary Duff in the 2003 version of* Cheaper by the Dozen*.
Lawrence's most recent on-screen credit is a one-episode role in a 2022 series called *Bad Therapist*.
*: This article has been edited to include a statement from Universal Studios Hollywood.***
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