Former child star Drake Bell has come forward with disturbing allegations of grooming and sexual abuse he allegedly experienced at the hands of ex-Nickelodeon employee Brian Peck when he was just 15 years old. In the third episode of the Investigation Discovery docuseries, Bell recounts the harrowing incident where he was allegedly molested during a sleepover at Peck's house. Bell describes waking up to find himself being sexually assaulted, feeling frozen and shocked.
Bell, who met Peck while filming 'The Amanda Show,' had developed a close relationship with the dialogue coach. Despite concerns raised by Bell's father about his son spending time with an adult male, producers dismissed the worries as unfounded, attributing them to homophobia.
After the abuse began, Bell claims Peck apologized but continued the assaults, escalating them over time. Threatened with career repercussions if he spoke out, Bell remained silent until he confided in his mother, leading to a police investigation.
Peck was arrested on multiple charges, including sodomy and lewd acts against a child, and was eventually convicted of sexually abusing a child actor. Despite support from industry figures during the trial, including actors from 'Boy Meets World,' Bell expressed his disappointment at their defense of Peck.
Following the conviction, Bell struggled with the aftermath of his trauma, leading to personal challenges, including a legal issue involving inappropriate messages to a minor. He has since sought treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues.
Peck, after serving a jail sentence, returned to work on children's shows but was terminated by Disney Channel upon learning of his conviction. Nickelodeon responded to the allegations by stating their commitment to investigating complaints and fostering a safe workplace environment.
Bell's courage in coming forward with his story has been commended, with Nickelodeon expressing support for him and acknowledging the trauma he endured. The case sheds light on the importance of safeguarding children in the entertainment industry and addressing past misconduct to ensure a safe environment for all.
