Drake Bell defended his ex Nickelodeon co-star Josh Peck against the growing backlash he has faced on social media since the release of Silence on the set: The dark side of children’s television.
In the docuseries, Bell spoke publicly for the first time about the abuse he suffered at the hands of Nickelodeon employee Brian Peck when he was a teenager. (Brian and Josh are not related, despite sharing a last name.) Many fans began attacking Josh on social media when they noticed that he had yet to publicly comment on the shocking abuse Bell faced, as well as the numerous accusations made against his ex. his boss, Dan Schneider.
Bell shared a video on TikTok asking fans to take it easy on his ex Drake and Josh co-star.
“I just want to clarify something. I’ve noticed a lot of comments on some of Josh’s TikToks and some of his posts,” Bell said. “I just want you to know that this is really, you know, processing this and going through this is a really emotional time and a lot of it is very, very difficult. So not everything is made public.”
He revealed that, despite Josh’s apparent silence, they have been in contact privately.
Bell added: “But I just want you to know that he communicated with me and he’s been very responsive. But he reached out to talk to me and help me get through this. And he’s been really great. So he just wanted you guys to know and take it a little easy.”
Bell’s announcement comes after Josh shared a video on social media that some speculated was directed at his former co-star.
“If I haven’t talked to you since 2023, take it as a sign that you no longer exist to me,” Josh lip-synced the audio on TikTok. “Goodbye! See you never.”
Fans flocked to the comments, demanding that he speak out in light of the claims Bell made.
Brian was arrested in 2003 on 11 counts of child sexual abuse, although the minor in the case remained anonymous for decades until Bell came forward. Silence on set. The docuseries marked the first time Bell spoke publicly about the abuse and manipulation she suffered while working with Brian at Nickelodeon.
“I was just stuck. I had no way out. The abuse was extensive and became quite brutal. I actually don’t know how to explain that on camera,” Bell said in the docu-series. “Why don’t you think about the worst things someone could do to someone like sexual assault and then I’ll answer your question?” “I don’t know how else to say it.”
If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online atLLUVIA.org.
