Former child star Drake Bell has criticized Nickelodeon officials for their response to his revelation that he was sexually abused while working for the network.
In the new docuseries “Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” the star details his alleged sexual abuse by dialogue and acting coach Brian Peck during his appearance on Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show.” He later became one of the network’s biggest stars on the show “Drake & Josh.”
The 37-year-old spoke on Friday in the podcast “The Sarah Fraser Show” for the first time since the documentary series was released.
He subsequently criticized Nickelodeon bosses’ dry response to the docuseries, saying: “It’s a very well-tailored response that says, ‘Learn about his trauma,’ because they couldn’t say they didn’t know about it or what happened or anything. So I think that was a really well-tailored response, probably from some big lawyer in Hollywood.”
He added: “I find their responses pretty empty. Because, I mean, they’re still doing our shows, they’re still putting our shows on. And I have to pay for my own therapy, I have to find out what – I mean, if there was anything, if there was any truth that they really cared, there would be more than quotes on a page, obviously from a legal representative telling them exactly how to tailor a response.”
The statement the actor and musician referred to said: “While we cannot confirm or deny allegations of conduct dating back decades, Nickelodeon’s policy is to investigate all formal complaints as part of our commitment to creating a safe and professional work environment free from harassment or other forms of inappropriate conduct.”
“Our highest priority is the well-being and interests of not only our staff, cast and crew, but of all children. Over the years, we have implemented numerous safety precautions to ensure that we live up to our own high standards and meet the expectations of our audiences.
“Now that Drake Bell has revealed his identity as a plaintiff in the 2004 lawsuit, we are dismayed and saddened by the trauma he has endured. We commend and support the strength he needs to come forward.”
In 2004, Peck was sentenced to 16 months in prison and required to register as a sex offender after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of children.
