Drake Bell has hit out at celebrities who support his alleged abuser, Brian Peck, in a bonus episode of the docu-series ‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.’
The new episode features an interview with the former child star, where he discussed how he’s been coping with the reaction to the series – which was released last month.
The now five-part series uncovered the toxic culture behind some of the most iconic children’s shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In the fourth episode, Drake alleged that he was sexually abused by former Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck (no relation to Bell’s Drake & Josh co-star Josh Peck) when he was 15.
Brian Peck was arrested and charged in 2003 for child sexual abuse, but the victim’s name had been sealed until Drake came forward for the documentary.
The actor detailed how he was shocked by the level of Hollywood support Peck got in the courtroom before his sentencing.
He admitted: “His entire side of the courtroom was full — full. There were definitely some recognizable faces on that side of the room and my side was me, my mom and my brother. Brian had been convicted but getting all this support from a lot of people in the industry and I was pretty shocked.”
According to Deadline, Drake wasn’t aware of the 41 letters of support written by known celebrities until they were revealed by an ID request for the court to unseal the letters.
During the fifth episode, journalist Soledad O’Brien asked the former Nickelodeon actor about his reaction to former Boy Meets World actors Rider Strong and Will Friedle supporting Peck during his court case.
He revealed: “I worked with Will on [the animated series Ultimate] Spider-Man and there was a lot of opportunity to apologize or talk about it and [we] never did.”
“But also, it’s a very difficult subject to bring up. I mean, especially in a work environment. So, and that’s the thing that’s hard about this because everybody deals with their trauma in different ways.”
“Everybody comes to different conclusions at different times in their lives and realizations … You know I really appreciate [his and Strong’s] perspective now.”
Drake added: “There’s so many people who, I mean, I haven’t heard — nobody’s reached out to me … not one of those people who wrote those letters has reached out to me.”
However, he has since revealed on X that he and Strong had a conversation.
The post said: “I just had the most amazing conversation with @RiderStrong we are all healing together. I have nothing but love and forgiveness for him.”
I just had the most amazing conversation with @RiderStrong we are all healing together. I have nothing but love and forgiveness for him.
— DrakeBell.ethᵍᵐ (@DrakeBell) April 5, 2024
The documentary also revealed allegations of emotional abuse and sexualisation of child actors against Dan Schneider, a Nickelodeon executive and show creator.
Dan created hit programmes like The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, iCarly, Victorious and Sam & Cat.
Looking back, Dan agreed that some jokes crossed a line and should be cut from episodes that continue to air.
Drake admitted in the fifth episode it was confusing to learn of the claims made against the Schneider, since he was the only person who offered support to him during his crisis.
He said: “It was really hard to watch since I can only speak from my experience — and I can’t take away from anyone else’s experience.”
“You know, I can just say that during this time with Brian, Dan was really the only one from the network that made an effort to help me and make sure I was okay.”
Drake also defended his former co-star Josh Peck, and how he was criticised online for not commenting about the allegations.
He said: “He had reached out to me and we’ve been talking. This is a really difficult thing to process. But at the end of the day, you know, we have such a close connection and unique bond that’s so rare in this industry … It’s really special and he’s a really great person.”
Nickelodeon responded to the allegations and evidence within the episodes in a statement to Variety that said: “Now that Drake Bell has disclosed his identity as the plaintiff in the 2004 case, we are dismayed and saddened to learn of the trauma he has endured, and we commend and support the strength required to come forward.”
“Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviours from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct.”
“Our highest priorities are the well-being and best interests not just of our employees, casts and crew, but of all children, and we have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience.”
