Actor Drake Bell recently revealed his shock upon learning about the letters of support written for Brian Peck, who was involved in a sexual abuse trial. Bell discovered this information after participating in Investigation Discovery’s Quiet on Set docuseries. He expressed surprise at the number of people who had supported Peck and later worked with him on the show Drake & Josh.
Bell shared his feelings of betrayal upon realizing that individuals he considered friends had supported Peck, who was convicted of sexual abuse. The letters of support were written by people in positions of power, including directors and producers, who Bell had worked with closely.
Peck, who was arrested in 2003 for sexually abusing a minor, pleaded no contest to the charges and served a prison sentence. The directors of Quiet on Set were able to unseal the letters of support, revealing names such as Rider Strong, Will Friedle, James Marsden, and director Thomas DeSanto.
Some individuals, including Strong, Friedle, and DeSanto, have since retracted their support for Peck. Notable names like Taran Killam and Kimmy Robertson, who appeared on Drake & Josh, had asked the judge to grant Peck probation instead of prison time.
Bell expressed disappointment that he had not received apologies from those who publicly supported Peck. Despite the revelations, he has not had any communication with them.
The docuseries shed light on the complexities of the case, with conflicting accounts from Peck's supporters. Bell questioned the rationale behind advocating for Peck, given his admission to the charges of molesting a minor.
The case underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics of support in such sensitive situations. Bell's experience serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by survivors of abuse.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
