Drake Bell Criticizes Celebrity Support for Brian Peck and Offers Surprising Defense of Dan Schneider
Drake Bell has openly criticized celebrities for their support of convicted sex offender Brian Peck, expressing dismay that none have personally apologized to him, despite being a victim of abuse. This comes amid his unexpected defense of Dan Schneider, who has been accused of misconduct in the children’s TV industry.
The release of the “Quiet On Set” documentary has reignited controversy with its latest episode, unveiling further alarming allegations from past cast and crew members. The documentary initially aimed to reveal the darker aspects of children’s television, particularly focusing on Nickelodeon and its influential figure, Dan Schneider, during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Among the startling revelations were accusations against Schneider, including degrading behavior towards staff, and allegations of gender discrimination, a hostile work environment, and harassment. Further controversy surrounded Schneider with allegations of creating content that inappropriately sexualized young actors, claims he has since denied.
The documentary also shed light on the presence of three Nickelodeon employees with histories of sexual offenses against children, highlighting dialogue coach Brian Peck’s imprisonment for sex crimes against a minor. Drake Bell revealed he was the victim in Peck’s case, sharing his traumatic experiences publicly for the first time.
Now 37, Bell has once again come forward in the documentary’s latest episode, “Breaking The Silence,” to share more distressing allegations and his perspectives on the scandalous behavior within the industry.
Drake Bell has criticized celebrities for their support of convicted abuser Brian Peck, pointing out that none have personally apologized to him. In the latest episode of the “Quiet On Set” docuseries, Bell explained to Soledad O’Brien his reasons for participating after years of reluctance. “The choice to participate was a tough one. It was a really hard decision to make because I had been approached before and I wasn’t ready and said no,” Bell shared. He felt encouraged to open up due to the documentary staff making him “feel really comfortable.”
Bell had previously exposed the abuse he suffered from Brian Peck, describing the acts as “unspeakable” and “extensive.” “The abuse was extensive and it got pretty brutal. I really don’t know how to elaborate about that on camera,” he had stated, suggesting the severity of the assault by saying, “Think of the worst stuff that someone can do to somebody as a sexual assault and that will answer your question. I don’t know how else to put it.”
Peck was charged and pleaded no contest to serious offenses involving a minor in 2003. Bell expressed his disappointment over seeing notable figures like Will Friedle and Rider Strong, alongside 41 others, defend Peck in court. Recounting a court incident, Friedle admitted on his podcast, “[Brian] then asked us to support him and go to court with him which a lot of us did and we’re sitting in that courtroom on the wrong side of everything… ‘The victim’s mother turned and said, “look at all the famous people you brought with you and it doesn’t change what you did to my kid.”‘ And I just sat there wanting to die. It was like, ‘what the hell am I doing here.'”
When asked if Friedle’s acknowledgment changed his view of that day, Bell responded, “‘No. I worked with Will on Spiderman and there was a lot of opportunity to apologize or talk about it and never did. But also it’s a very difficult subject to bring up especially in a work environment.'”
Bell lamented the lack of outreach from those who supported Peck, expressing surprise that the scandal wasn’t bigger, especially given Nickelodeon’s history with predators like Jason Handy. Bell defended Dan Schneider, highlighting his support during Bell’s abuse ordeal. “It was very hard to watch because I can only speak from my experience and I can’t take away from anyone else’s experience. I can just say that during this time with Brian, Dan was really the only one from the network that even made an effort to help me and make sure I was okay,” Bell stated.
Reflecting on the broader issue of trauma among child actors and his personal recovery, Bell noted, “We have lost so many that aren’t here anymore. I’ve watched tragedy after tragedy after tragedy in this business and it is just heartbreaking. I went many years not wanting to even talk about it at all. Not in therapy, not with my friends, not with my family.” He credited music and songwriting as therapeutic outlets, eventually leading to his new song “I Kind of Relate,” inspired by his experiences and the documentary.
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