Drake Bell is addressing his choice to take part in the docuseries Quiet On Set, where he bravely revealed his experience of sexual abuse at the hands of dialogue coach Brian Peck.
During an interview on Today that was released on Monday, the former Nickelodeon star was questioned about his motivation for finally sharing his story in the documentary after keeping it silent for many years. “Things were spiraling out of control emotionally and mentally,” he said, “and I thought maybe this could help in the healing process and also help others who have gone through the same situations or similar situations.”
As we previously shared, Bell disclosed that he was the unidentified young actor who had accused Peck of sexual abuse, which had started when he was just 15 years old. Peck was found guilty in 2004 and received a 16-month prison sentence.
Nickelodeon, a platform known for launching the careers of child stars, informed Today that they have implemented various measures to prevent abuse, such as employing welfare workers, mandating the presence of parents or guardians on set for young actors, and conducting criminal background checks. Bell expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of these measures in preventing abusers like Peck, stating, “Brian would have passed a background check.”
Bell, who is now 37 years old, was questioned about a 2021 incident where he was accused of engaging in inappropriate communication with a minor, resulting in his guilty plea. He received a sentence of two years of probation and 200 hours of community service. During his appearance on Today, he reiterated his assertion that he was unaware of the true age of the teenage girl involved. Bell admitted to exchanging messages that were deemed inappropriate, leading to his guilty plea. He emphasized that once he learned of the girl’s age, he ceased communication.
Currently residing in New Mexico and focusing on his music career, Bell shared that he has taken time to reflect on what he would tell his younger self. He expressed, “There’s so much. What am I going to say to that little boy, had I gone back to him in that state of confusion and turmoil? Get ready.”
“You are going to struggle, you are going to have pain, and I don’t know how to tell you how to get out of it, so be ready,” he continued. “But now I’m able to go back to him and hold him and tell him, it’s gonna be OK.”
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