Steven Anthony Lawrence, known for his role as Beans on “Even Stevens,” claims he was fired by Universal Studios Hollywood for reporting a suspected pedophile — a claim the studio has firmly denied as baseless and without merit.
Steven Anthony Lawrence, the beloved child actor who rose to fame as Bernard “Beans” Aranguren on the Disney Channel hit “Even Stevens,” has publicly alleged that he was terminated from his position at Universal Studios Hollywood for reporting a “suspected pedophile.” The actor, now 35, made the claim via Instagram on January 3, 2026, after initially delaying the post in hopes of an amicable resolution.
“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. “It is with a heavy heart I have to announce that my time with Universal Studios has ended.”
Lawrence’s statement escalated quickly, as he accused the studio of not caring about performer or guest safety — a claim he said he made after witnessing what he believed to be a serious threat to 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,” he wrote. He concluded with a stark warning to parents: “With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD. Be safe everyone.”
Universal Studios responded swiftly, issuing a statement to Us Weekly that dismissed Lawrence’s claims as “inaccurate and without merit.” “We have investigated and reviewed the concerns brought forward by this former employee and they were found to be inaccurate and without merit,” the studio’s spokesperson said. “We take all employee concerns seriously and have established processes for raising any concerns without fear of retaliation.”
Lawrence’s post was met with immediate support from his “Even Stevens” co-star Christy Carlson Romano, who replied simply: “Good for you Steven.” Fans and fellow entertainers echoed the sentiment, praising Lawrence for standing up for what he believes is right and for prioritizing safety over career convenience.
Lawrence’s career began in earnest when he was just 9 years old. He auditioned for “Even Stevens” after developing a signature joke-telling habit, which landed him the role of Beans — a character initially meant for just one episode, but expanded due to the creative team’s love for his comedic timing. “I’d kind of go and hang out with [the writers] so they knew who I was, and maybe, hopefully, get back into it,” he told Vice in 2021.
Following “Even Stevens,” Lawrence appeared in “Cheaper by the Dozen” and “Weeds” before stepping back from acting to care for his terminally ill parents. “You’re being a caregiver, you’ve got to be there to change diapers. And you can’t do that when you’re on auditions,” he explained to Vice. “That’s physically impossible. It just wouldn’t work.”
Lawrence has since returned to acting with a focus on independent films and co-hosted the “Even More Stevens Podcast” with Romano and Nick Spano, keeping the spirit of the show alive. His recent public statement has reignited interest in his career and reignited conversations about workplace safety and accountability in the entertainment industry.
Lawrence’s allegations, though unverified and unsupported by evidence, have sparked a broader conversation about the culture of theme parks and the responsibilities of large entertainment corporations toward their employees and guests. His claim, if true, would be a rare case of an employee being fired for reporting misconduct — a scenario that, while not unheard of, is still uncommon in the industry.
For now, Lawrence’s claim remains unproven, and Universal Studios has stood firm in its denial. But his story, rooted in personal experience and public concern, has already moved the needle on how the industry handles such sensitive issues. Fans are watching closely, and the entertainment community is poised to respond — whether through support, skepticism, or a deeper investigation.
Read more about Steven Anthony Lawrence’s career and his return to acting in our ongoing coverage of Disney Channel alumni and their journeys beyond the screen.
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