:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x537:751x539)/Steven-Anthony-Lawrence-010426-05-0429cf98f35346b684b7303904e1d7ba.jpg?ssl=1 "Former ‘Even Stevens’ Actor Claims He Was Fired After ‘Reporting a Suspected Pedophile’")
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NEED TO KNOW
- On Saturday, Jan. 3, Stephen Anthony Lawrence accused Universal Studios Hollywood of firing him in retaliation after he reported a “suspected pedophile”
- The former child star vowed in an Instagram post to never take his child to the theme park as a result of the situation
- Lawrence appeared in the hit Disney Channel series Even Stevens from 2001 to 2003
A former child star is alleging that he was fired from his job at Universal Studios after reporting a suspected pedophile at the theme park.
On Saturday, Jan. 3, Stephen Anthony Lawrence claimed in an Instagram post that his position at Universal Studios Hollywood was terminated as retaliation by his boss in response to the allegation he made.
“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,” Lawrence wrote, alongside a photo of his Universal Studios ID pass propped up against a toad costume.
“It is with a heavy heart I have to announce that my time with Universal Studios has ended,” he continued.
Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic
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Lawrence, 35, alleged that a boss at Universal Studios and an HR representative fired him “to retaliate for reporting a suspected pedophile 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,” Lawrence wrote.
He added that while he missed his job, he wouldn’t be returning to Universal Studios Hollywood in light of his claims.
“With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD,” he concluded, adding, “Be safe, everyone.”
Lawrence didn’t share any further details regarding his claims.
George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty
The former child actor played Bernard “Beans” Aranguren on the hit Disney Channel series Even Stevens throughout the series’ three-season run from 2001 to 2003.
Lawrence’s former costar on the show, Christy Carlson Romano, showed her support in the comment section, writing, “Good for you Steven! 👏,” according to TMZ.
PEOPLE has contacted Universal Studios Hollywood for comment.
