One Year Since Sexual Abuse Story in ‘Quiet on Set’
Drake Bell Reflects on “Quiet on Set” Documentary One Year Later
Drake Bell recently opened up to People magazine about the weight that has been lifted off his shoulders one year after the airing of ID Discovery’s “Quiet on Set.” The documentary series shed light on Bell’s experience of being sexually assaulted as a teenager by his Nickelodeon dialogue coach, Brian Peck. This revelation was a major bombshell from the documentary, which also delved into claims of misconduct behind the scenes at Nickelodeon during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Reflecting on the past year, Bell shared, “It’s been a really nice weight lifted. It’s a roller coaster of emotions. I don’t want to sugarcoat it and make it seem like everything is fine now. The pain and sorrow will always be there, but it’s a lot nicer to receive support.”
Peck, who worked on Nickelodeon shows like “All That” and “The Amanda Show” in the late ’90s and early 2000s, was arrested in 2003 on multiple charges related to sexual misconduct. However, it was only when Bell came forward that the victim’s identity was revealed.
Bell expressed gratitude for the impact his story has had on others, sharing, “It’s really great to have experiences now where people come up to me and share their stories after watching the documentary. It’s something I never expected, but I’m glad to have that impact on people.”
Despite facing challenges and disbelief from some during Peck’s trial, Bell found solace in the support he received. He mentioned, “It’s nice to hear those kinds of things. It’s still somewhat difficult to wrap my head around the fact that ‘everybody knows my secrets,’ but I have gratitude for the fans who support me.”
Looking back on the past year, Bell acknowledged the importance of sharing stories and empathizing with others who have gone through similar experiences. He highlighted the healing power of group therapy and the sense of solidarity that comes from knowing you’re not alone.
Following the release of “Quiet on Set,” Nickelodeon issued a statement expressing support for Bell and commending his courage for coming forward. However, Bell criticized the network’s response as being empty, questioning their true commitment to addressing the issue.
In a podcast interview, Bell expressed his disappointment with Nickelodeon’s reaction, highlighting the need for more concrete actions to support survivors of abuse. Despite the challenges he has faced, Bell remains grateful for the outpouring of support and the opportunity to share his story.
If you want to read more about Bell’s journey and reflections, head over to People magazine’s website for the full interview.
