Fans of Disney Channel’s ‘Even Stevens’ are talking after Steven Anthony Lawrence, best known as Bernard “Beans” Aranguren, shared a shocking revelation over the weekend. The 35-year-old actor and performer says he was let go from Universal Studios Hollywood after reporting a suspected pedophile at the park.
Lawrence, who played the quirky “Beans” from 2001 to 2003, posted on Instagram a message about his departure. He also posted a photo of his Universal employee ID and what appears to be a Toad costume.
“It is with a heavy heart I have to announce that my time with Universal Studios has ended,” he wrote. “I delayed posting this for about a month. I was hoping we could find some sort of amicable solution. Because I absolutely loved performing and dancing with all you amazing people.”
Allegations of retaliation
According to Steven Anthony Lawrence, he was fired by his boss and a Universal HR representative after raising concerns about a suspected pedophile in areas frequented by children. He didn’t reveal specific details about the alleged incident or the exact role he held at the Los Angeles-area theme park.
“While I will truly miss my job, I cannot be associated with an organisation or people that don’t care about performer or guest safety while numerous people continue to get hurt,” Lawrence wrote.
He added a strong warning to parents. “With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD.”
Universal responds
Universal Studios Hollywood responded the following day. A spokesperson told TMZ that they carried out full investigation and found it to be “inaccurate and without merit.”
“We take all employee concerns seriously. We have established processes for raising any concerns without fear of retaliation,” the statement read.