The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is shifting beneath our feet. While the world watches the friction of the U.S.-Iran conflict, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quietly-and brilliantly rewriting its economic destiny. It’s no longer just about being a bridge between East and West; the U AE is fundamentally deciding that its future lies in the East. Navigating Beyond the Shadow of Regional Conflict In my view, the UAE’s recent distancing from traditional blocs like OPEC and the GCC isn't just a policy change; it’s a masterclass in strategic autonomy. For decades, the Gulf states have been viewed through the lens of Western dependency. However, the recent waves of drone and missile threats have proven that the UAE can no longer afford to be a bystander in a -dangerous neighborhood. By pivoting to Asia, the Emirates is seeking strategic depth that the West simply cannot provide in the current climate. Why the UAE’s Exit from OPEC Was a Bold Power Move The decision to leav...
Zoey 101” star Matthew Underwood has revealed on social media that he was assaulted at age 19 by his agent at the time.
In a statement regarding the Investigation Discovery docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” Underwood opened up about being assaulted by his former agent, whom he does not name.
“When I was 19, I was sexually harassed and then assaulted by my agent at the time, who had spent a decent amount of time building trust with me as a friend and mentor. Again, my trust was betrayed and my self image was crushed,” Underwood wrote on Instagram on Friday. “I reported him to the agency and he has since been fired — although he is still active in the industry. This experience provoked my move away from LA and ending my pursuit of acting.”
Underwood then explained why he was sharing his story of sexual harassment and assault, saying that “many people have been blowing up [his] email” and calling him a “pedophile defender” following the release of “Quiet on Set,” which features allegations of abuse against “Zoey 101” creator Dan Schneider and several crew members at Nickelodeon.
“I imagine many of my friends in the business are being equally harassed if they aren’t joining in the chorus,” Underwood wrote, “so I’m sharing this with hope that some of you can recognize that just because a person doesn’t shout from the rooftops that pedophiles are bad or that people can suck — that does not mean they don’t have their own reasons for staying silent, good reasons, personal reasons.”
Underwood played Logan Reese in “Zoey 101” for four seasons from 2005 to 2008. He reprised his role in the 2023 rom-com “Zoey 102,” a sequel film to the Nickelodeon series that also starred original cast members Jamie Lynn Spears, Erin Sanders, Sean Flynn, Christopher Massey, Jack Salvatore Jr. and Abby Wilde.
Underwood then explained why he was sharing his story of sexual harassment and assault, saying that “many people have been blowing up [his] email” and calling him a “pedophile defender” following the release of “Quiet on Set,” which features allegations of abuse against “Zoey 101” creator Dan Schneider and several crew members at Nickelodeon.
“I imagine many of my friends in the business are being equally harassed if they aren’t joining in the chorus,” Underwood wrote, “so I’m sharing this with hope that some of you can recognize that just because a person doesn’t shout from the rooftops that pedophiles are bad or that people can suck — that does not mean they don’t have their own reasons for staying silent, good reasons, personal reasons.”
Underwood played Logan Reese in “Zoey 101” for four seasons from 2005 to 2008. He reprised his role in the 2023 rom-com “Zoey 102,” a sequel film to the Nickelodeon series that also starred original cast members Jamie Lynn Spears, Erin Sanders, Sean Flynn, Christopher Massey, Jack Salvatore Jr. and Abby Wilde.
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