As a fervent observer of the entertainment industry, I can’t help but feel a tinge of empathy for Dan Schneider, the prolific creator who once graced Nickelodeon with his string of hit shows. His journey, marked by success and controversy, has been an intriguing rollercoaster ride, to say the least.
Content warning: this article contains mention of sexual abuse.
Drake Bell is sharing insight into his healing journey.
Six months following the ex-star of “Drake & Josh” publicly revealing himself as the then-minor accuser in a 2003 sexual assault case against former Nickelodeon voice coach Brian Peck on the docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV”, he shared his current state. For Drake, this has been about handling each day as it comes.
In a private conversation with Will Marfuggi from TopMob News, he described his feelings as a roller coaster of emotions. He explained that holding onto something for such a long time is like enduring an ongoing torment.
Then, overnight, with the docuseries debut, things changed for him.
Wow, it seems the world is aware, and I wasn’t sure how people would respond,” Drake said further. “But there’s been a lot of support, and it’s been comforting.” (Don’t forget to catch more with Drake on TopMob News on Oct. 8 at 11 p.m.)
In addition to the others offering support, it’s worth mentioning Josh Peck, who is not related to Brian. Despite Drake not revealing all details of his story to his co-star from Drake & Josh at that time, Josh has consistently been there for Drake in times of need.
The 38-year-old, in the thick of his Non-Stop Flight Tour Vol. 1 before his upcoming album release on Oct. 26, expressed that they are more like true brothers. He has always been a remarkable source of support and, since he was aware of my past, our relationship didn’t undergo any significant transformation. It was simply him reassuring me by saying, ‘I’m here for you.’
Shortly after the docuseries came out, Josh publicly addressed the accusations, showing solidarity not just with Drake, but also with other individuals who have experienced similar situations.
In his March 2024 Instagram post, Josh stated, “I contacted Drake personally, but I also want to express my solidarity with the courageous individuals who have spoken up about the emotional and physical abuse they experienced on Nickelodeon sets.
As a diehard fan, I can’t help but shed light on the challenging circumstances child actors endured at Nickelodeon, particularly shows produced by Dan Schneider – the mastermind behind hits like The Amanda Show, Zoey 101, iCarly, and Victorious. However, the five-part docuseries also unveiled the harrowing story of Drake, who was subjected to abuse at the hands of Brian. This individual served a year in prison and is now required to register as a sex offender.
In the documentary, Drake described an incident where he met Brian, who later joined the network for All That. Now 63 years old and an acting coach, they quickly found common ground. However, trouble arose when Drake’s father, Joe Bell, expressed his reservations to the network. According to Drake, Brian managed to persuade him that his dad was causing the issues.
In the docuseries, Drake explained that his father made it challenging for Brian to be around him. It seemed to Brian that my father was keeping a close eye on me, which led Brian to deliberately create tension between my father and myself.
Currently, Drake Bell is a father to his 3-year-old son Jeremy, whom he shares with his former spouse, Janet Von Schmeling. Drake aspires that by telling his story, it will resonate and make an enduring impact not just within the entertainment world, but beyond.
He told TopMob that such an occurrence isn’t limited to schools; it happens in various settings, including workplaces. Essentially, it can take place anywhere.
If your child expresses a desire to do something, rather than immediately thinking, “I’ll never allow my child to do that,” it would be more productive to say, “My child has an interest in this. So, let’s ensure safety and make the necessary adjustments instead.
For more of the bombshells uncovered in Quiet on Set, keep reading…
In an interview with ID series, Drake Bell opened up publicly for the very first time, revealing that he had never discussed it anywhere else but therapy sessions, about being sexually abused by Brian Peck.
The series describes the extent of the abuse using graphics from the official charges against Peck—a dialogue and acting coach who also appeared in bit roles such as “Pickle Guy” on All That—because the Drake & Josh actor preferred to not go into detail on camera.
Bell stated that the mistreatment was severe and became extremely violent. A producer (who was only audible) suggested he should only disclose what he felt comfortable with, to which he responded, “Imagine the most horrific acts of sexual violence one person could inflict upon another, and that’s a good summary of my answer. I can’t think of another way to explain it.
63-year-old Peck was apprehended in August 2003, eventually receiving a 16-month prison sentence in October 2004 following a no contest plea for two charges: engaging in lewd acts with a child aged 14 or 15 who is at least ten years younger than the offender, and oral copulation of an individual under the age of 16. Sentencing records obtained by TopMob News reveal these details. Additionally, he was obligated to register as a sex offender.
TopMob News attempted to get a comment from Peck but didn’t receive a response. In a statement shared with NBC News, Nickelodeon expressed their disappointment and sorrow upon learning about Drake Bell’s past trauma. They commend his courage in coming forward.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: In my analysis, Peck intentionally created tension between himself and his manager father, Joe Bell (a figure familiar from the ID series and an ally to his version of events), to foster a closer bond with the teen actor who was a regular on The Amanda Show prior to landing his own sitcom, Drake & Josh, in 2004.
According to Bell, Peck would escort him for auditions and later let him stay overnight, claiming it was too risky to drive him back home at night. One evening, as Bell recalled, he found himself waking up on the couch (where he usually slept) with Peck inappropriately assaulting him.
In utter astonishment, I found myself momentarily speechless, my mind a whirlwind of confusion as I grappled with this unexpected turn of events. I was at a loss for words and actions, unsure how to navigate my way out of this predicament.
He remembered Peck expressing remorse, yet the mistreatment persisted; and Bell stated that he didn’t disclose it to anyone, not even when the girlfriend’s mother suspected something amiss and took him to a counselor. Admittedly, he thought if he spoke up, his career would come to an end.
In the end, he broke down and revealed everything to his mother, who then swiftly contacted the police. According to Bell, detectives required him to provide a thorough and painful account of the abuse. They also made him call Peck to encourage a confession while they listened in. As Bell stated, Peck began a comprehensive confession immediately, leading to his arrest on August 20, 2003.
In the book “Quiet on Set“, Bell mentioned that Dan Schneider, the creator and executive producer of both “The Amanda Show” and “Drake & Josh“, promptly inquired if he required assistance and otherwise stood by him after Peck was taken into custody.
If not, he didn’t receive much communication from his coworkers, possibly because the matter was confidential as Bell mused, or they simply weren’t aware of it. The only individual who stood out to me during that time was Dan. Regrettably, there were no therapy sessions available, and I was left to manage on my own…which, considering my age, might not have been ideal.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: For quite some time, the records concerning Bell’s case remained hidden from public view. However, when these records were eventually unsealed, curious onlookers could finally lay their eyes on the 41 letters of endorsement that had been submitted in support of Peck prior to his sentencing in 2004.
According to Business Insider journalist Kate Taylor, neither Nickelodeon nor Schneider himself penned a letter, as suggested by Vanity Fair’s series co-director Mary Robertson, who expressed admiration for Taylor’s work and interest in collaborating further on her already impressive investigation reporting.
Among the individuals who penned letters: James Marsden, Saturday Night Live performer Taran Killam, Boy Meets World actors Will Friedle and Rider Strong, and Growing Pains stars Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns.
Marsden stated in the show that he had known Peck (who played roles in the 2000 and 2003 versions of X-Men) for 14 years. According to the series, he expressed that “the struggles Brian has faced in the past year are equivalent to the hardships of a hundred men.” Similarly, as reported in the series, Killam (known from The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh) wrote about Peck, “I am certain that he deeply regrets any mistakes made.
As a lifestyle advisor, I regret to share that Alan Thicke passed away in the year 2016. Our team at TopMob News has extended our request for comments to the representatives of Candace Cameron Bure (Marsden), Will Arnett (Killam), Danielle Fishel (Friedle), Tim Allen (Strong), and Jerry Van Dyke (Kerns). At this moment, we are yet to receive a response.
However, as Taylor pointed out in the ID series, it’s plausible that none of the letter writers were fully aware of the seriousness of the accusations against Peck at the time they penned their messages.
In a statement found in Quiet on Set, Kerns clarified that she now realizes her letter was based entirely on incorrect information. Given my current knowledge, I wouldn’t have penned that letter under any circumstances.
Strong and Friedle have recently admitted to feeling remorseful for supporting Peck during his appearances on ‘Boy Meets World’ in 1999, as they weren’t aware of the full story back then. They made this statement on a February episode of ‘Pod Meets World’, which they co-host with Danielle Fishel.
Strong clarified, “He never claimed that nothing occurred. Rather, when we first learned about the situation, it was always presented as ‘I committed this act, I acknowledge my guilt, but I am a victim myself. I was ensnared by a minor, an underage person who attracted me. I merely acted upon impulse and now I’m facing the consequences.’
According to Friedle, “We found ourselves in that courtroom on the losing end of everything. The victim’s mother looked at us and said, ‘You brought all these famous people with you, but it doesn’t erase what you did to my child.’ I felt like I wanted to disappear. It was as if to say, ‘What on earth am I doing here?’ Everything about the situation was terrifying.
In episode 5 titled “Breaking the Silence,” Bell expressed gratitude for Friedle and Strong’s viewpoint, yet it had zero impact on how he felt during the 2004 court sentencing of Brian Peck, when he noticed his abuser was surrounded by a room full of supporters.
According to Bell, none of the people who penned letters in support of Peck had ever contacted him, even those from the cast of “Boy Meets World.
In 2013 and 2016, Friedle lent his voice to Deadpool on several episodes of the animated “Ultimate Spider-Man”, with Bell portraying Peter Parker. Remarkably, neither actor spoke publicly about their collaboration.
However, Bell also noted that discussing such a subject can be challenging, particularly in a professional setting. What makes it hard, he explained, is that everyone handles their traumatic experiences differently and reaches different conclusions at varying points in their lives. I respect their viewpoint now more than ever, but that specific event remains deeply etched in my memory.
TopMob News has reached out to Friedle for comment.
In the book “Quiet on Set“, alum Kyle Sullivan reminisced about everyone from the show gathering at Peck’s residence for a barbecue. This actor and dialogue coach, who had previously worked on “The Amanda Show” and the sitcom “What I Like About You” starring Amanda Bynes, was known to have a room filled with classic toys and comic books, according to Sullivan. Additionally, he had a garage full of memorabilia from the series “Planet of the Apes“.
Sullivan remembered that Peck was showing him around when he pointed out a painting of a clown, created by the notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Gacy is known to have murdered at least 33 boys and young men, as detailed in accounts of his crimes, and was executed in 1994. Moreover, Peck kept a collection of letters supposedly from Gacy, which he proudly displayed on his nightstand next to his bed, according to Sullivan’s account.
TopMob News attempted to contact Peck concerning the reported fascination with Gacy depicted in the series, however, we didn’t receive a response.
In episode 5, I, as one of the alumni named Shane Lyons, shared my thoughts for the first time with host Soledad O’Brien. I revealed that there were indeed some questionable advances made towards me by Peck, although I didn’t fully grasp it at the moment.
Speaking about his past role, Lyons shared, “When he inquired about what ‘blue balls’ meant, I assumed he was referring to tennis balls,” given his lack of knowledge about the term at that time. Reflecting on it now as a 36-year-old, the ex-actor said, “Looking back, would I have had such a conversation with a 13-year-old boy? Definitely not. It was completely illogical.
Primarily, he felt thankful that no greater mishap befell him, and he commended Bell for sharing his experiences.
TopMob News has reached out to Peck but has not yet heard back.
Previous actors from Schneider’s produced shows opened up in “Quiet on Set” about either feeling uneasy at the time or recognizing later issues with certain costumes they had to wear, as well as some distasteful jokes that were broadcasted and viewed by all Nickelodeon spectators.
As an ardent admirer looking back, I can’t help but reminisce about my time portraying the eccentric character “Nose Boy” on All That from 1997 to 2000. The wardrobe department had me donning flesh-toned leggings and undergarments that, to my amusement, were adorned with accessories resembling a certain anatomical feature on my shoulders – talk about a conversation starter!
In fact, slimy substances hitting girls in the face was a repeat joke in a number of Schneider’s shows, including Zoey 101, as pointed out in the ID series by Jamie Lynn Spears‘ costar Alexa Nikolas. (She and iCarly alum Jennette McCurdy are among the former Nickelodeon actors who have previously spoken out against the network for failing to protect young talent.)
Frierson stated in the series that the situation felt awkward. However, he mentioned that no one considered voicing their discomfort to Schneider. Frierson, now 37 years old, explained that maintaining Schneider’s favor was crucial, and Schneider, being an All That writer-producer, made it clear who was on his good side.
A representative for Schneider shared with TopMob News that every scene from the shows Dan oversaw was thoroughly reviewed by multiple adults within the network and given approval. If any instances exist where viewers are interpreting certain scenes as sexually suggestive, which some people have done years later, those scenes would be removed. However, they remain airing globally today, appreciated not just by adults but also by children and their parents.
The representative explained that all stories, dialogues, costumes, and makeup were thoroughly checked and approved by network executives on both coasts. Each script was read and endorsed by a standards and practices team, while every episode received final approval from programming executives. Furthermore, every set had parents, caregivers, and their companions watching filming and rehearsals daily. If any scenes or outfits were deemed inappropriate, they would have been stopped due to this multi-tiered supervision.
It’s unfortunate when adults mistakenly interpret children’s programs based on their own adult perspectives, leading to incorrect assumptions.
As a devoted fan who closely followed Katrina Johnson’s career, I can share that she recently disclosed some intriguing insights about her time on the sketch show “All That,” which spanned from 1994 to 1997. Even though it’s been over a decade since she appeared in many productions post-aughts, these memories seem to linger for her at age 41.
One time, producers contacted our home and conversed with my parents, saying something along the lines of, “Katrina is becoming overweight. We already have an overweight actress, she can’t be the overweight one,” as she claimed in her book Quiet on Set. Despite her parents defending her, she recalled that comment, stating, “You can’t be the overweight one.” I still remember those words vividly and they echo in my mind to this day.
Shortly afterwards, Johnson expressed that she entered puberty which made her appear less childlike, leading to the fact that a younger version of herself eventually took her place.
Regarding the various recollections in the ID series, Nickelodeon told NBC News in a statement:
Regarding past allegations about behavior on old productions, Nickelodeon doesn’t have the ability to verify or refute them. However, as part of our commitment to creating a secure and professional workspace that’s free from harassment or unacceptable actions, we thoroughly investigate all formal complaints. The well-being and best interests of our staff, actors, crew, and most importantly, children, are our utmost priorities. We have implemented various safety measures over the years to make sure we maintain our high standards and meet the expectations of our audience.
Bryan Christopher Hearne, who appeared in seasons seven and eight of ‘All That’, was assigned to portray the youngest rapper ever, “Lil Fetus”. This character also needed a tight bodysuit. In a documentary series, he mentioned that someone on set suggested his skin tone should be charcoal dark.
The crack caused him to feel emotional, he remembered, however, by that point, he was too scared to inform his mother, Tracey Browne, who on set had gained a reputation for promptly defending her son, a practice that, as both Browne and Hearne stated in the docuseries, wasn’t well-received.
Browne admitted that she found herself standing out,” she stated. Additionally, she pointed out that she was aware her son was often asked to portray Black stereotypes. For instance, she mentioned Hearne’s character mimicking a child selling Girl Scout-like cookies in a way reminiscent of drug dealing.
Kyle Sullivan, despite voicing concerns about Dan Schneider’s peculiar fondness for goo-themed humor, shared in the book “Quiet on Set” that he usually maintained a positive relationship with Dan overall.
According to Hearne, Schneider appeared to have a friendlier dynamic with certain other white children. He suggests that his experiences on Nickelodeon significantly influenced his approach and ongoing handling of racial matters.
A representative for Schneider countered this description, pointing out the creator’s extensive track record of featuring Black actors in his TV shows, including his later projects with prominent comedians like Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, who first gained fame on All That.
According to “Quiet on Set”, it wasn’t only teenagers who remembered working in a harmful environment on those Schneider-led productions.
Jenny Kilgen mentioned in the ID series that when she and Christy Stratton were employed as writers on The Amanda Show in 1999, they were instructed to share a single salary, meaning their joint earnings equaled what a single writer in that role would typically receive.
However, according to Kilgen’s recollection, she was eager for employment and preferred not to risk appearing demanding by voicing complaints. Moreover, she mentioned that she didn’t object when Schneider referred to her and Stratton as “the girls” rather than using their names.
Furthermore, both individuals stated that Schneider often made derogatory remarks about women’s humor, and he also engaged in belittling practical jokes.
At another time, when Schneider designed the character “Penelope Taynt” for Bynes on The Amanda Show, Stratton and Kilgen stated that he asked them not to reveal to network executives that the name was a deliberate double entendre. They remained silent out of fear of his displeasure.
When Kilgen discovered that the split salary arrangement violated union guidelines, she informed the Writers Guild of America about it. Kilgen also shared that Schneider had phoned her at home and threatened her, stating that if she was indeed the one who reported him, then she would never be able to work for Nickelodeon or any other company owned by Viacom again.
On the set, it was made clear that Dan Schneider disputes Jenny’s allegations, stating he held no authority over salary decisions.
A representative from Schneider clarified to TopMob News that while ‘The Amanda Show’ was not developed by him personally (it was produced by Tollin/Robbins), it’s important to note that even on shows he created, the salaries were regulated not only by the network but also by the Writers Guild of America.
Regarding Schneider’s past actions, it’s unfortunate that writers’ rooms were often inappropriate environments, particularly 20 years ago. However, Dan deeply regrets his part in creating such an environment and has since grown significantly. His behavior was clearly unacceptable and would never be tolerated in a professional setting again.
In the series, Bell stated, “I can recall every instance of abuse vividly, yet everything else seems hazy. It’s unfortunate because I lived through many wonderful moments in my life and career during that period, but they were overshadowed and tarnished by the struggles I faced internally.
The actor, who has a son with his separated wife Janet Von Schmeling (their separation occurred in 2022), admitted guilt in 2021 for one count each of attempted child endangerment and sharing harmful content with a minor via text messages. He was given community service and probation as part of his sentence.
In a video shared online, Bell clarified that he had engaged in inappropriate text conversations with someone who turned out to be a minor, unaware of their age. He immediately ended the communication upon discovering the truth. Bell emphasized that there were no explicit images or physical contact involved between himself and this person.
In his teenage years, his personal experiences seemed to trigger a great deal of self-harm and negative self-image, as he expressed in the series. To cope, he often resorted to excessive drinking, drug use, and any means possible to escape his reality. Regarding his 2021 arrest, he admitted fault, complied with the consequences, but was overwhelmed by misinformation spread by the media, which caused significant damage to him emotionally. This eventually led him to lose control of his life.
In April 2023, he went missing in Daytona Beach, Florida, but he surfaced the following day with a chuckle, jokingly tweeting about his situation: “You leave your phone in the car and don’t answer for the night, and this is what happens?” Previously that year, it was said that he had sought outpatient care to address substance abuse issues.
In the show, the artist on “Ready Steady Go!” expressed that if he had persisted along that course, it could have potentially led to his downfall.
He had reached his lowest point, he explained, which led him to seek help. He entered a treatment center, where for the first time in a while, he found himself surrounded by individuals who genuinely hoped for his recovery. There, he finally underwent therapy for grief and trauma.
Dan Schneider’s stint at Nickelodeon concluded in 2018 as the channel terminated his series, ‘Game Shakers’, following three seasons. In contrast, ‘Henry Danger’ persisted for a fifth season. In a commendatory joint statement acknowledging his “series of enduring, innovative successes,” Nickelodeon expressed gratitude to Schneider and his team at Schneider’s Bakery for their “invaluable impact” on the channel. Meanwhile, Schneider reciprocated by stating that he and his team would forever be enthusiastic supporters of Nickelodeon.
However, it was soon revealed that Schneider’s dismissal stemmed from a high volume of complaints regarding his conduct during the period following the #MeToo movement. (According to four sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The New York Times in 2021, an internal probe concluded that Schneider could be verbally abusive but failed to uncover any instances of sexual misconduct.)
He said in a statement to Quiet on Set that “this is not an accurate description” of why he and Nickelodeon parted ways. “However,” he added, “today, I would absolutely do some things differently. I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to be a better boss.”
In regards to the debut of “Quiet on Set“, Schneider had a chat with actor BooG!e from “iCarly” where he expressed regret for any inappropriate or inconsiderate actions, yet refuted accusations of racial bias or inappropriately sexualizing actors on his productions.
Hearne and his former All That colleague, Giovannie Samuels, couldn’t help but chuckle out loud when O’Brien mentioned Schneider’s apology.
In summary, Hearne found the overall interview amusing, stating that Dan, who was an actor prior to this, seemed to have dusted off his acting skills and put on quite a show. He questions where the same level of concern was shown when Jennette McCurdy’s book was released.
In the explosive memoir I penned in 2022 titled, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” I delved into various aspects of my life, including the requirement to don a bikini on the set of iCarly and the persistent persuasion by an individual I merely referred to as “The Creator” to consume alcohol.
Hearne added, “Isn’t an apology meaningless without taking responsibility? In essence, if we strip out the inappropriate humor, does your program still exist?
TopMob News contacted Schneider for a response regarding the recent “Quiet on Set” episode, however, we have not received a reply so far.
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2024-10-08 18:22