Nickelodeon’s Drake Bell opens up about traumatic experiences in the upcoming documentary
Drake Bell, celebrated for his role in the Nickelodeon sitcom “Drake & Josh,” is stepping forward with a harrowing revelation about his past, specifically about the sexual abuse he endured at the age of 15. The actor, whose full name is Jared Drake Bell, has chosen to share his story in the forthcoming Investigation Discovery series “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” airing on March 17 and 18.
Bell’s allegations are directed at Brian Peck, a dialogue coach with whom he initially came into contact on “The Amanda Show” between 1999 and 2002, before moving on to “Drake & Josh,” which premiered in 2004. In August 2003, Peck faced arrest on multiple charges relating to the sexual abuse of a minor. The following year, he entered a no-contest plea to performing a lewd act with a 14-or-15-year-old and to oral copulation with a minor under 16. Peck’s sentencing in October 2004 included 16 months in prison and the mandate to register as a sex offender.
The arrest stemmed from a 2003 police investigation triggered by the victim’s family, who reported Peck for molesting the child over six months, two years prior to his arrest. This dark chapter in Bell’s life is part of a larger examination by “Quiet on Set,” which aims to unveil the unseen realities behind the scenes of beloved children’s television shows from the ’90s and ’00s, many of which were created by Dan Schneider.
“Quiet on Set,” directed by Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, promises to deliver untold stories, including Bell’s, shedding light on the often glossed-over aspects of child stardom and the entertainment industry. Bell’s decision to come forward is not only a brave personal step but also a contribution to the broader conversation about the safety and well-being of child actors.
This announcement follows a distressing period for Bell, who was reported “missing and endangered” last year, prompting a swift response from the Daytona Beach Police Department. Thankfully, the situation was resolved quickly, with Bell later making light of the incident on Twitter, attributing it to a forgotten phone.
As the entertainment world awaits the premiere of “Quiet on Set,” Bell’s revelations serve as a stark reminder of the industry’s hidden challenges and the resilience of those who have suffered in silence. Nickelodeon and Bell’s representatives have been approached for comments on these serious allegations.
