Disney Channel Directors Apologize for Writing Letters of Support Against Drake Bell’s Sexual Abuse Case
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Former Disney Channel directors Beth and Rich Correll have apologized for sending letters of support to Brian Peck, a former Nickelodeon dialogue coach who received sexual abuse allegations from Drake & Josh star Drake Bell.
“We extend our deepest apologies to Drake Bell and his family, and we deeply regret our decision many years ago to request leniency for someone who we later learned had committed a horrible crime and caused so much pain and trauma to Drake and others,” wrote the Corrells in a statement to Variety.
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In Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, a four-part Investigation Discovery docuseries, former Nickelodeon actors and employees detail gender discrimination lawsuits, sexual assault allegations, skits featuring sexual innuendos, and a disturbing work environment within the kids network.
In the docuseries, Bell discusses establishing a tight knit bond with the then 41-year-old Peck, who worked on All That and The Amanda Show. The Corells helped direct All That, and worked on several episodes of The Amanda Show (which Bell performed on for several seasons).
Bell alleges in the docuseries that Peck would invite him over to spend the night at his Los Angeles home, host Bell’s birthday celebrations, and take him to Disneyland. By age 15, Bell alleges Peck began “sexually assaulting,” him and described feeling “trapped” with no ability to drive to and from production.
After a 2003 arrest on charges including lewd acts with a minor, Peck pleaded no contest to two charges of child sexual abuse, was sentenced to 16 months in jail, and ordered to register as a sex offender.
“If we had known the truth at the time the letters were written, we never would have written them,” the Corrells wrote in a statement. “There are no words to express how awful we feel for being on the wrong side of a horrific situation and the trauma it caused you, Drake. We are devastated that we unwittingly supported the unsupportable.”
Along with the Corrells, Jury Duty’s James Marsden, Saturday Night Live’s Taran Killam, and Boy Meets World actors Will Friedle and Rider Strong also wrote letters supporting Peck during his court case, according to the documentary. Former Nickelodeon showrunner Dan Schneider, by whom former actors described feeling “intimidated,” did not write a letter.
“Our biggest priority having worked on many sets throughout the years was the safety of children,” the statement continues. “We would never knowingly put any child in danger. We are saddened and appalled to hear all the in-depth details following the release of ‘Quiet on the Set.’”
Peck landed a job on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody after his prison release. Rich Correll directed 55 episodes of the The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, whereas Beth worked as an assistant director for 56 episodes. In a statement in the fourth episode of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, the Corrells said “they had no input or involvement in the casting” of Brian Peck on the Disney show, and when the Disney Channel directors inquired about the case, Peck responded “the problem had been resolved.”
“Children must be protected and should always be in a safe environment…both at work and at home,” the Corrells statement reads. “Drake, you are in our hearts, we are proud of your bravery, and we hope that now you are able to heal. Again, we are so sorry.”
A fifth episode of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV will be released April 7 on Investigation Discovery, and will later be available on HBO Max for streaming. In the bonus “Breaking the Silence” episode, former participants like Bell, All That’s Giovonnie Samuels and Bryan Hearne, and new participant All That’s Shane Lyons will discuss the child entertainment industry’s next steps.
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