Catfish host and creator Nev Schulman is in much better spirits since his MTV show is back up and running after his sexual misconduct allegations were dropped. The network closed the case in June after claims from a woman who appeared on the show were found to be “not credible and without merit."
“I’m doing much better now,” Nev tells PEOPLE. “It was a really difficult time for me, as much for my wife and my family. It was tough.”
He adds: “I’ve lived a number of different lives in my 33 years. I’ve experienced different things, I’ve been in different social circles and I’ve made mistakes. I’ve been very honest about those and I’ve been accountable, I’ve apologized and done everything I could to make right where I may have wronged. I’ve been judged for those mistakes — publicly and privately. That’s tough and doesn’t feel good but it’s important and something I’ve made part of my life.”
He explains how he felt "powerless" from not being able to counteract the harsh judgment and the false claims against his name. “Luckily I had the amazing support of the fans of the show but also of my colleagues, the crew,” he says. “Several people who had been on the show actually reached out to me and offered to speak up in my support if necessary. I’m just so thankful and grateful to everyone.”