Former child actor Drake Bell has recently spoken out about the alleged abuse he experienced at the hands of Nickelodeon dialogue coach Brian Peck. Bell, now 37, revealed in a new docuseries that Peck began molesting him when he was just 15 years old. The abuse reportedly escalated over time, leaving Bell feeling trapped and unsure of how to react.
Bell recounted waking up to Peck sexually assaulting him, a traumatic experience that he had kept hidden until now. The former child star met Peck while working on 'The Amanda Show' and eventually disclosed the abuse to his mother after Peck allegedly tried to secure a role on Bell's show, 'Drake & Josh'.
Peck, now 62, faced legal repercussions in 2003 when he was arrested on multiple charges, including sodomy and lewd acts against a child. Despite being convicted on two charges, Peck received support from 41 individuals who wrote letters speaking favorably about him, including actors Will Friedle and Rider Strong.
Friedle, 47, and Strong, 44, have recently come under scrutiny for defending Peck during his legal battle. Both actors admitted to being informed by Peck about his actions but chose to support him nonetheless. Bell criticized Friedle and Strong for their actions, claiming they were not manipulated into writing letters of support.
The controversy surrounding Peck's case has resurfaced with the upcoming airing of Investigation Discovery's 'Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV'. The docuseries will shed light on the dark realities of the entertainment industry, including instances of abuse and exploitation.
Bell's decision to speak out about his traumatic experience serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and supporting survivors of abuse. The revelations in the docuseries highlight the complexities of navigating the aftermath of abuse and the challenges faced by those who come forward with their stories.
'Quiet on the Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV' is set to air on Investigation Discovery, providing a platform to discuss the impact of abuse within the entertainment industry and the need for greater awareness and prevention measures.
