Drake Bell revealed that he was repeatedly sexually assaulted during his time working as a child actor at Nickelodeon.
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Here’s What Drake Bell Revealed During ‘Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV’
According to PEOPLEBell appeared in the four-part documentary series ‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV’, which aired on Sunday, March 17th and Monday, March 18th. The docu-series reportedly explores the “toxic and dangerous culture” of “the most iconic children’s shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s.”
During his appearance, Bell explained that he began acting on Nickelodeon’s ‘The Amanda Show’ in 1999. At that time, he was 13 years old.
The following year, he met dialogue coach Brian Peck. Peck allegedly invited Bell to take acting classes at his home.
Bell’s father, who also served as his manager, reportedly directed his concerns about this to producers at Nickelodeon. However, he ended up being “ostracized” from the crew and “backed down.”
The outlet reports that a “rift” has developed between Bell and his father. Peck would then accompany Bell to her acting auditions, and the child would even spend nights at Peck’s house.
When Bell was 15, the dynamic between him and Peck would change forever.
“I was sleeping on the couch where I usually sleep and… I woke up to him… I opened my eyes and I woke up and he was… he was sexually assaulting me,” Bell explained during the docuseries. “And I froze and was completely in shock and had no idea what to do or how to react. And I had no idea how to get out of that situation.
Bell explained that the circumstances of her abuse by Peck worsened.
“You know, whenever I had an audition or needed to work on dialogue or something, I somehow ended up back at Brian’s house. And it got worse, and worse, and worse, and worse, and I was stuck. I had no way out. The abuse was extensive and became quite brutal,” he explained, for PEOPLE.
According to the outlet, Bell revealed that he often looks back at that time in his life and wonders how he “survived.” Additionally, he explained that although he “experienced a lot of good things” during his time as a child actor, it was “overshadowed and ruined” by what he was “dealing with inside.”
Support for social media shares
Social media users shared their support for Bell and reactions to her revelation on Shade Room Comments Section.
Instagram user zarialinton wrote, “This documentary hits so much deeper when you grew up watching all these shows and not knowing what was happening to these kids. It’s disgusting and sad.”
While Instagram user @korporate00 added, “You never know what someone is going through!
Instagram user @thesomaliashow wrote, “These poor child stars were completely taken advantage of. Is very sad.”
While Instagram user @ashley.brionne added, “I believe him! I’m glad he’s revealing himself and telling the truth. Praying he is ok 😢”
Instagram user @dangerbethename wrote: “God wrap this man and all the victims in his arms❤”
Additional Nickelodeon Stars and Executives React to Actor’s Reveal
According to PEOPLEPeck spent 16 months in prison and was forced to register as a sex offender after charges of “oral copulation with a minor under the age of 16” and “performing an obscene act with a 14 or 15 year old” were brought against him. he.
The outlet notes that Bell was the victim behind these accusations. However, at the time, her identity was not publicly revealed.
Furthermore, PEOPLE reports that Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider, who was previously accused of sexualizing child actorsoffered support to Bell after he was informed of the sexual assault.
USA today adds that a spokesperson for Schnieder released a statement after the documentary aired, addressing the allegations against him.
“Everything that happened on the shows Dan directed was carefully vetted by dozens of adults involved and approved by the network. If there were scenes or costumes that were inappropriate in any way, they would have been flagged and blocked by this multifaceted scrutiny,” the statement reads. “…If there was a real problem with the scenes that some people, now years later, are ‘sexualizing’, they would be taken down, but they are not, they are shown constantly all over the world today, enjoyed by both children and children. . country.”
Nickelodeon producers also released a statement, per PEOPLE.
“Now that Drake Bell has revealed his identity as the plaintiff in the 2004 case, we are dismayed and saddened to learn of the trauma he suffered and we commend and support the strength it took to come forward.”
However, not all former Nickelodeon actors apparently showed the best support for Bell in the future. On Tuesday, March 19, footage of ‘Neds Declassified’ star Devon Werkheiser and other castmates laughed as they spoke about the allegations.
Ned’s Declassified cast reacts to Dan Schneider and Nickelodeon allegations on TikTok Live following ‘Quiet On Set’ documentary.
— Base Pop (@PopBase) March 19, 2024
In response, Bell took to Twitter to share words for the cast.
“Ned’s Declassless… this is crazy… laugh, everyone… laugh…” Give me your h*les?!” Really?!”
Ned’s Declassless…that’s wild…laugh guys…laugh…”Give me your h*les?!!” Really?! https://t.co/pD2ZYdd2gG
-DrakeBell.ethᵍᵐ (@DrakeBell) March 19, 2024
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