The former Nickelodeon actor has reconciled with the 'Boy Meets World' star, who pleaded for his abuser's leniency, after they connected and had 'the most amazing conversation' in private.
- Apr 7, 2024
AceShowbiz - Drake Bell has spoken out about abuse he allegedly suffered from Brian Peck, a former Nickelodeon dialogue coach, in a recent episode of the "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" podcast. Bell revealed that Peck submitted letters of support from former colleagues, including Rider Strong from "Boy Meets World."
After having a heart-to-heart conversation with Strong, Bell shared an update on social media, expressing his forgiveness and healing. "I just had the most amazing conversation with @RiderStrong we are all healing together. I have nothing but love and forgiveness for him," he wrote on X.
Strong, along with Will Friedle, was one of the first stars who regretted supporting Peck. "We weren't told the whole story, but it doesn't change the fact that we did it. I still can't get the words out to describe all of the things that I'm feeling inside of myself," Will said Danielle Fishel's "Pod Meets World".
Bell initially denounced their apology. "Will was 27 years old and Brian told him what he did. Many people turned away and said no I won't write a letter but they did. Will was not manipulated," he claimed before adding Strong was "24 years old when he wrote the letter and was told by Brian what he did," but he "wrote the letter anyway."
Bell also previously stated that he had not received any apologies from those who had supported Peck. "I haven't gotten an apology, or a sorry, from anybody that had written letters, or was involved in supporting him at all," he said.
Bell alleges that some of the individuals who wrote letters of support were part of the "Drake & Josh" crew, who had worked alongside him for several years. He was unaware of their involvement until documents in the case were unsealed.
"I had no idea that for four years, I was working alongside people who had supported him," Bell said. "And I thought they were my friends."
Bell's allegations highlight the ongoing systemic issues within the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by victims of abuse. The lack of accountability and lack of support from former colleagues further compounds the trauma experienced by survivors.
