Drake Bell, former child star of Nickelodeon’s The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh, has expressed disappointment with Nickelodeon’s response to the allegations he made in the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. In the podcast interview with The Sarah Fraser Show, Bell criticized the network’s “empty” response, stating that they continue to air his shows while he has to pay for his own therapy.
In the docuseries, Bell alleged that he was sexually abused by dialogue coach Brian Peck, who worked on All That and The Amanda Show, starting when he was 15 years old. Bell’s claims have brought attention to the issue of child abuse in the entertainment industry.
Nickelodeon, in a statement to Rolling Stone prior to the airing of the docuseries, expressed dismay and support for Bell, acknowledging the trauma he has endured. The network also emphasized its commitment to investigating formal complaints and maintaining a safe and professional workplace environment.
Bell participated in Quiet on Set because he found one of the directors, Emma Schwartz, to be understanding and genuine. He revealed that after the interview, he checked himself into rehab to address the trauma he had been holding back for years. Schwartz, in an interview with Rolling Stone, mentioned that Bell felt a weight had been lifted off his shoulders by sharing his story.
Brian Peck, who was arrested in 2003 on charges of child sexual abuse, pleaded no contest to two charges a year later. He was sentenced to 16 months in jail and required to register as a sex offender. Bell’s identity as the accuser was revealed recently.
The allegations made by Bell and the subsequent response from Nickelodeon have sparked discussions about the treatment of child actors and the responsibility of networks to ensure a safe working environment.
1 Response
I appreciate Drake Bell for speaking out about his concerns regarding the allegations made in the docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV. It takes courage to voice disappointment with a former employer, especially when it involves a beloved childhood show like The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh. It’s important for individuals to share their experiences and concerns, as it can lead to positive change in the industry.