Former Child Star Matthew Lawrence Reveals He Was Fired for Refusing a Director’s Request to Get Naked
Matthew Lawrence, beloved for his roles in family favorites like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and the hit series ‘Boy Meets World’, recently opened up about a disturbing experience from his acting career. On the Brotherly Love Podcast, which he co-hosts with his brothers, he shared a personal story that highlights the darker side of Hollywood. The former child actor described being offered what sounded like a dream opportunity, a major role in a Marvel project. What followed, however, turned into a nightmare that cost him both the part and his representation.
Lawrence explained that he was sent to meet a highly acclaimed director who had already won an Oscar. The meeting took place in a hotel room, where the director appeared wearing only a robe. Things quickly escalated when the filmmaker asked Lawrence to remove his clothes for some Polaroid photos. He was told that complying with certain actions would secure him the coveted superhero role. Lawrence firmly refused and left the room immediately.
The fallout was swift and severe. His agency dropped him as a client shortly after he walked out of that encounter. He lost not only the Marvel opportunity but also the support of the very people meant to advance his career. This incident left a lasting impact on him, revealing how power dynamics can lead to painful consequences for those who stand their ground.
Lawrence pointed out that experiences like his are not isolated among men in the industry. He brought up actor Terry Crews, who publicly shared his own assault by a male executive in front of his wife back in 2016. Crews held back from reacting physically because he worried about damaging headlines portraying him aggressively. Despite his size and strength, Crews felt vulnerable and noted that his story was often dismissed or even mocked.
Many other male actors have come forward with similar accounts over the years. Brendan Fraser spoke about being groped by a powerful figure, which affected his career trajectory. Corey Feldman and the late Corey Haim detailed abuses they endured as young stars. Drake Bell has also shared his traumatic experiences from childhood in the business.
These stories underscore a troubling double standard when it comes to supporting male victims in entertainment. While the #MeToo movement brought attention to widespread misconduct, particularly against women, men’s allegations sometimes receive less empathy or credibility. Lawrence mentioned hearing from numerous male friends who faced propositions from both men and women in positions of authority. Yet, the industry often seems reluctant to address these cases with the same urgency.
Hollywood’s tight-knit network of executives and influencers makes real change challenging. High-profile scandals involving figures like Jeffrey Epstein and recent allegations against P. Diddy remind us how entrenched these issues remain. Even when stories surface, accountability can feel limited within such a closed circle. Lawrence’s candid revelation adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about safety and ethics in the field.
Sharing these experiences takes courage, especially for men who might fear being judged or minimized. It serves as a reminder that harassment knows no gender boundaries and thrives on imbalance of power. As more voices like Lawrence’s emerge, perhaps it will encourage better protections for everyone navigating the industry. Opening up about these moments can help dismantle the silence that allows such behavior to persist.
What are your thoughts on male victims speaking out in Hollywood, and do you believe the industry is making progress? Share them in the comments.