Drake Bell, a former child star known for his roles on Nickelodeon's The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh, has recently opened up about the trauma he endured during his time in the entertainment industry. In a candid interview on the Good Guys podcast hosted by Josh Peck and Ben Soffer, Bell recounted the abuse he suffered at the hands of a former Nickelodeon dialogue coach, Brian Peck. This conversation marked the first time the two co-stars reunited since the release of the 2024 documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, which detailed allegations of misconduct within Nickelodeon.
The Fallout from Quiet on Set
Following the premiere of Quiet on Set, fans and industry insiders alike were shocked to learn that Bell was the unnamed victim of sexual abuse by Brian Peck, a convicted sex offender. Despite sharing the same last name, Josh Peck and Brian Peck are not related. However, this coincidence sparked speculation and confusion among viewers unfamiliar with the details surrounding the scandal.
In response to the allegations, Josh Peck issued a statement on social media expressing his support for Bell. He acknowledged that he was unaware of the abuse until watching the documentary but admitted to having suspicions during their time filming The Amanda Show. Peck recalled feeling uneasy about certain interactions between Bell and Brian Peck, though he didn't fully grasp the severity of the situation at the time.
A Difficult Reunion
On the Good Guys podcast, Bell and Peck revisited their experiences working together on Drake & Josh. They discussed both the joyous moments and the darker aspects of their collaboration, including the emotional toll Bell's abuse took on their friendship. Bell revealed that returning to set after the incident was one of the most challenging parts of his career, as it meant facing his abuser daily.
I remember feeling conflicted because I wanted to protect Drake, but I also didn’t know how to handle it myself, said Josh Peck. It wasn’t until years later that I realized just how much pain he was carrying around.
Public Reaction and Moving Forward
Fans praised Bell for his bravery in sharing his story, while others criticized Josh Peck for not speaking out sooner. However, Bell defended his longtime friend, explaining that he never expected Peck to address the issue publicly. Instead, he appreciated the private support Peck offered throughout the ordeal.
Josh has always been there for me when it mattered most, Bell stated. He reached out privately after finishing the documentary, and we had an honest conversation about everything that happened.
As the world continues to grapple with stories of abuse within the entertainment industry, Bell hopes his testimony will inspire others to come forward and seek justice. Meanwhile, Peck remains committed to fostering a safe environment for young actors, ensuring they receive the protection and respect they deserve.
Legacy of Drake & Josh
Despite the challenges faced behind the scenes, Drake & Josh remains a beloved series for many fans who grew up watching its antics. The reunion episode of the Good Guys podcast provided a platform for Bell and Peck to reflect on their journey, celebrating the positive impact their show had on countless lives while addressing the painful truths hidden beneath the surface.
We’re proud to share this episode with you, concluded Peck. And stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve even deeper into our experiences and what they mean moving forward.
