As a follower of entertainment news, I’ve been keeping an eye on the troubling stories surrounding Dan Schneider and Drake Bell lately. It’s heartbreaking to see how their past experiences have led them down difficult paths.
Ariana Grande came through for Elizabeth Gillies in this sticky situation.
Approximately 5 months after the release of “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” during which several ex-Nickelodeon child stars shared allegations about a harmful work environment, particularly on shows associated with former producer Dan Schneider, the actress from “Victorious” described her reaction to watching the documentary with her former co-star.
Gillies shared with Variety in an interview on July 16 that he had a deeper reflection on his past interactions with Ariana over FaceTime. They watched the experience simultaneously and later discussed and analyzed it in detail during their subsequent meetings. There was much to cover and reconsider together.
Gillies added that she hadn’t perceived her experience on set as abusive back then, but looking back through the documentary was crucial for her. The film featured former cast members and writers discussing sexism, racism, and emotional abuse during Schneider’s tenure as producer.
Reflecting on past experiences with rose-tinted glasses can be challenging when new information emerges and our perspectives change as adults. This may involve reinterpreting memories or even tarnishing them. Reassessing and reevaluating these memories thoughtfully is an essential process. Gillies, whose husband Michael Corcoran composed themes for several of Schneider’s Nickelodeon shows, acknowledged this importance.
The five-part “Quiet on Set” docuseries did not focus on Gillies or her background, but it did explore the issue of sexual innuendos being present in the production of “Victorious,” which was problematic for young actors like her.
The actress from “Dynasty” expressed her appreciation for being so near to Grande and the entire cast of “Victorious” – comprised of Victoria Justice, Avan Jogia, and Leon Thomas III – while reminiscing about her past as a young actress.
“I’m fortunate to have a strong bond with my cast and Ari, which allowed us to collaborate closely,” Gillies expressed. “We supported one another, communicated frequently, and kept in touch regularly.”
Grande agreed with Gillies’ views during the documentary interviews. She shared that she is still processing her past experiences and the way she was handled on set.
Grande shared on Podcrushed with Penn Badgley in June that her connection to it has evolved over time. We were led to believe, and we believed, that it was the unique selling point. But reflecting on some old clips now, I’m left thinking, “Really?” If I had a daughter, I would consider things differently.
Despite this, Grande expressed her gratitude for how the situation with “Quiet on Set” was handled, which brought forward Drake Bell as the then-unknown minor in Brian Peck’s 2004 sexual assault case.
“Ariana Grande was pleased that this discussion was taking place not just here but also globally. She mentioned how we’re experiencing a cultural transformation where it’s no longer only actors and singers dealing with issues like egomaniacal bosses or harassment and assault. These experiences are commonplace.”
I, Schneider, filed a lawsuit against the producers of the well-known documentary in May. I took this action because I felt that the series insinuated falsely that I was a sexual abuser. It’s important to clarify that once the abuse was uncovered, I condemned it unequivocally. Furthermore, I want to make it clear that I myself have never been involved in child sexual abuse.
Schneider acknowledged to TopMob News that on occasion, his leadership skills fell short. He expressed remorse for these instances and assumed responsibility. While he welcomes criticism of his managerial abilities, it is important to note that there is no truth to allegations suggesting his involvement in heinous crimes such as those committed by child predators.
I made an attempt to contact Investigation Discovery for their perspective on the ongoing lawsuit involving Nickelodeon, Warner Bros. Discovery, Maxine Productions, Sony Pictures Television. Unfortunately, I have yet to receive a response from them.
Keep reading to unpack all that Quiet on Set’s biggest bombshells.
In an interview with ID series, Drake Bell shared for the first time that he had never discussed this experience outside of therapy. This means that he had kept it a secret until then, and now he was opening up about being sexually abused by Brian Peck.
The show presents the degree of Peck’s mistreatment through graphics based on the actual accusations against him. Peck, who is known for his work as a dialogue and acting coach, and for minor roles like “Pickle Guy” on All That, chose not to discuss the details publicly during interviews for Drake & Josh.
Bell described the mistreatment as severe and harsh. When asked by a producer to disclose only what he was at ease with, he responded bluntly, “Imagine the most violent form of sexual assault. That’s what I mean. I don’t know of another way to explain it.”
In August 2003, Peck, now 63-years-old, was apprehended and later pleaded no contest in October 2004 to two charges: lewd acts on a child between the ages of 14 and 15 with a ten-year age difference, and oral copulation of a minor under 16. As a result, he received a sentence of 16 months in prison and a mandatory registration as a sex offender, based on the sentencing records obtained by TopMob News.
TopMob News attempted to get a response from Peck regarding the matter, but didn’t receive one. In response to inquiries from NBC News, Nickelodeon expressed their disappointment and sadness upon discovering that Drake Bell was the plaintiff in the 2004 case, and they commend his courage for speaking out about the past traumas.
Bell explained that Peck intentionally created tension between him and his manager father, Joe Bell, allowing him to spend more hours with the teenager. Joe Bell, who is featured in the ID series and corroborated his son’s story, supported this account. Before Drake & Josh aired in 2004, the young man had a recurring part on The Amanda Show.
Peck used to bring him to auditions and then let him stay overnight, according to Bell. One time, Bell recalled waking up on the couch (which he claimed was where he usually slept) only to find Peck sexually assaulting him.
“Bell was taken aback and utterly surprised, leaving him momentarily speechless and uncertain of his next steps, as well as how to escape from the predicament,” is one way to paraphrase the given statement.
He remembered Peck expressing regret, but the mistreatment continued—and Bell conceded that he didn’t disclose this to anyone, not even when his girlfriend’s mother suspected something amiss and sought help from a therapist. Fearful of jeopardizing his profession, he chose to remain silent.
In due course, he reportedly broke down and revealed all to his mother, who then contacted the authorities. The investigators required Bell to provide a comprehensive description of the maltreatment and instructed him to contact Peck, encouraging a confession during a monitored phone call. Peck allegedly admitted to the wrongdoing without reservation, leading to his arrest on August 20, 2003.
In his book “Quiet on Set“, Bell mentioned that Dan Schneider, the creator and executive producer of “The Amanda Show” and “Drake & Josh”, promptly offered assistance and stood by him after Peck’s arrest.
If not, there wasn’t much communication from his coworkers towards him, possibly due to the delicate nature of the topic, Bell pondered. Notably, Dan was the only one who stood out in providing support. Unfortunately, there were no counseling services available, leaving me alone at that tender age which might not have been ideal.
For several years, the documents related to Bell’s case remained sealed from public view. However, upon being unsealed, these records revealed the identities of the individuals who penned the 41 letters supporting Peck prior to his sentencing in 2004.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: According to an investigative piece by Kate Taylor of Business Insider published in 2022, none of the individuals at Nickelodeon, including Schneider, penned a letter to express their intentions, contrary to what series co-director Mary Robertson mentioned in her conversation with Vanity Fair. Instead, they extended a heartfelt invitation to Kate and promised to build upon her exceptional reporting.
In the group of individuals who penned letters: James Marsden, Saturday Night Live performer Taran Killam, Boy Meets World stars Will Friedle and Rider Strong, and Growing Pains parents Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns.
Marsden, in the show’s portrayal of his letter, mentioned that he had known Peck for fourteen years. He expressed deep empathy towards Peck, stating, “The hardships Brian has faced over the past year are equivalent to those endured by a hundred men.” Regarding Peck, Killam shared in the series that he was confident of his friend’s remorse for any past errors.
In 2016, Thicke passed away. Our team at TopMob News attempted to contact the representatives of Marsden, Killam, Friedle, Strong, and Kerns for their reactions, but we have yet to receive any responses.
However, according to Taylor’s remarks in the ID series, it was just as likely that the actors were unaware of the full details of the allegations against Peck while composing their letters.
According to a statement in “Quiet on Set,” Kerns admitted that the information used in writing her letter was entirely incorrect. Had she known the truth back then, she wouldn’t have penned the letter.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it like this: In a recent episode of “Pod Meets World,” co-hosted by Danielle Fishel and myself, Strong and I admitted regret for supporting Peck during his appearances on “Boy Meets World” back in 1999. At the time, we weren’t aware of the full story.
I didn’t get the impression that nothing had transpired when Strong spoke. Instead, when we learned about this case and gained any information about it, it was consistently presented as, “I have committed an act, I acknowledge my guilt, and I will accept any punishment the authorities deem fit.” Yet, there was another layer to the story – one of being manipulated by a charismatic underage individual. This person was allegedly the instigator, and we were unfortunately swayed by this narrative.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that experience as follows: “Sitting in that courtroom, I felt like an outsider, on the wrong side of things. The victim’s mother turned to me, her voice filled with anger and pain, ‘Look at all these famous people you brought with you. It doesn’t change what you did to my child.’ In that moment, I wished I could disappear. I was struck by a sense of profound disconnect, asking myself, ‘What on earth am I doing here?’ The horrifying reality of the situation hit me hard.”
In episode 5, titled “Breaking the Silence,” Bell shared that he respects Friedle and Strong’s point of view, but it didn’t alter my emotions from that fateful day in 2004 when I attended Brian Peck’s sentencing hearing. The sight of his abuser surrounded by a room full of supporters left me feeling just as raw and affected as ever.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: I was surprised and unfortunate that none of the individuals who penned letters in support of Peck ever reached out to him personally, not even the esteemed cast members from “Boy Meets World.”
In 2013 and 2016, Friedle lent his voice to Deadpool in a few episodes of “Ultimate Spider-Man,” with Bell portraying Peter Parker. However, Friedle kept quiet about this collaboration.
However, Bell admitted, “Bringing up this subject is challenging, particularly in a professional setting. The complexity lies in the fact that people handle their past traumas diversely and reach various conclusions at dissimilar stages in life… I value their viewpoint today, yet that day continues to be vividly etched in my memory.”
TopMob News has reached out to Friedle for comment.
In “Quiet on Set,” Kyle Sullivan, an alum from the show, mentioned that everyone attended a barbecue at Peck’s house. Peck was not only an actor and dialogue coach but also worked on “The Amanda Show” and “What I Like About You” with Amanda Bynes. According to Sullivan, Peck had a room filled with old toys and comic books, and his garage was packed with memorabilia dedicated to “Planet of the Apes.” (Alternatively, Peck’s house held a barbecue for everyone from the show. The versatile Peck, who contributed as an actor and dialogue coach to both “The Amanda Show” and “What I Like About You,” was also a collector. Sullivan described his home as having a room filled with vintage toys and comic books, while his garage housed an extensive collection of “Planet of the Apes” memorabilia.)
During their tour, Peck brought Sullivan’s attention to a painting of a clown created by the notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Gacy is known to have taken the lives of at least 33 boys and young men, as reported by official records of his crimes, and was put to death in 1994. Peck proudly displayed a collection of letters supposedly penned by Gacy on his nightstand next to his bed, according to Sullivan’s recollection.
TopMob News attempted to contact Peck concerning the claimed Gacy fanhood in the show, but received no response.
In episode 5, Shane Lyons, a former alum, broke his silence for the first time during his conversation with Soledad O’Brien. He admitted that Peck made advances towards him on some occasions, but he wasn’t aware of it back then.
Lyons recalled, “When he inquired about what ‘blue balls’ meant, I assumed they referred to tennis balls based on my ignorance at the time.” Looking back as a 36-year-old, the ex-actor reflected, “Would I have engaged in such a conversation with a 13-year-old boy now? Definitely not. It seems utterly illogical.”
In general, he was thankful that things didn’t get worse for him, and he commended Bell for sharing his experience.
TopMob News has reached out to Peck but has not yet heard back.
In my experience as a devoted fan, I’ve come across an intriguing book called “Quiet on Set” where previous actors from Schneider’s produced shows shared their feelings of discomfort, either immediately or in retrospect, regarding certain costumes they were required to don and the often borderline-inappropriate pranks that made it onto Nickelodeon.
Leon Frierson, formerly of “All That” from 1997 to 2000, shared an amusing memory of wearing flesh-toned hosiery and undergarments to portray the superhero “Nose Boy.” His costume accessorized with props resembling a penis and testicles on his shoulders. In one skit, Nose Boy’s sneeze propelled a blob of snot towards a girl, hitting her in the face.
I’ve noticed that in several of Schneider’s shows, including “Zoey 101,” there was a recurring joke where girls had substances splashed on their faces. This detail was highlighted in the ID series by my costar Jamie Lynn Spears and another iCarly alum, Jennette McCurdy. As former Nickelodeon actors, we’ve previously expressed concerns about the network not adequately safeguarding young talent from such experiences.
Frierson expressed discomfort in the series but didn’t consider voicing his concern to Schneider. He believed it was crucial to be in Schneider’s favor, and Schneider made it clear who held that position. (37-year-old Frierson speaking of All That writer-producer)
A representative from Schneider explained to TopMob News, “The shows Dan oversaw were meticulously reviewed by numerous adults within the network. Any questionable content identified would be removed, but none have been found. These shows continue to be broadcast globally and are appreciated by children and parents alike.”
The representative added, “Every detail in our stories, dialogues, costumes, and makeup was endorsed by executives on both coasts. Each script underwent a thorough review by a standards and practices team, while programming executives gave final approval to each episode. Furthermore, parents and caregivers were always present during filming and rehearsals. If any questionable scenes or outfits emerged, they would be promptly flagged and prevented from being aired due to this rigorous oversight.”
I can’t help but feel dismayed when I see grown-ups interpreting children’s programs through their own adult lenses. All too often, they jump to incorrect assumptions based on their own biases and experiences, rather than appreciating the shows for what they truly are.
I, Katrina Johnson, have some memories from my time on “All That” between 1994 and 1997 that still linger with me to this day. Despite being in my forties now, these experiences continue to resonate deeply within me.
In her book “Quiet on Set,” Katrina recalled an incident where producers contacted her home and criticized her weight to her parents, saying, “Katrina is becoming too heavy for the role. We already have a character who is overweight; she cannot be that one.” Despite her parents’ support, Katrina shared that those words, “You can’t be the fat one,” have stayed with her ever since.
After reaching puberty not long after, Johnson commented that she no longer appeared as a child, leading her to ultimately be replaced by a younger version of herself.
Regarding the various recollections in the ID series, Nickelodeon told NBC News in a statement:
Nickelodeon takes all formal complaints seriously, investigating them thoroughly as part of our dedication to maintaining a safe and professional workplace. While we cannot verify or refute allegations from past productions, the well-being and best interests of our employees, casts, crew, and most importantly, children, are our top priorities. We have implemented various measures throughout the years to uphold our standards and meet audience expectations.
During seasons seven and eight of All That, Bryan Christopher Hearne appeared, taking on the role of the youngest rapper ever portrayed, named “Lil Fetus.” This character required a tight-fitting bodysuit. In an interview for the ID series, Hearne shared that he overhead someone on set commenting about the need for a “charcoal-dark skin tone” for the character.
The crack left him with tears in his eyes, he remembered, but by that point, he was too terrified to inform his mother, Tracey Browne, who had gained a reputation on set for quickly intervening on her son’s behalf. This behavior, as acknowledged by both Browne and Hearne in the docuseries, was met with disapproval.
Acknowledging this fact, Browne admitted that she found herself an outsider. Simultaneously, she couldn’t ignore that her son was being asked to portray Black stereotypes in his roles. For instance, she pointed out, Hearne acting as a kid peddling Girl Scout cookies in a manner reminiscent of drug dealing.
I, as a close companion of Kyle Sullivan, can attest that despite his occasional teasing of Dan Schneider over his penchant for goo-centric humor, Kyle maintained a generally amicable connection with him according to his account in “Quiet on Set.”
According to Hearne, Schneider got along better with certain other white children. His experience on Nickelodeon significantly influenced how he has handled and continues to handle racial matters.
A representative for Schneider pushed back against this description, highlighting the producer’s extensive past of casting Black actors in his television programs. They also mentioned his ongoing collaborations with famous comedians Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell from “All That.”
According to “Quiet on Set,” it wasn’t only adolescents who remember working in a harmful environment on Schneider’s productions.
Jenny Kilgen shared in the ID series that when they started working on “The Amanda Show” in 1999 as writers, they were paid a joint salary. This means their combined earnings equaled what one writer would typically earn in that role.
However, according to Kilgen’s remembrance, she was eager for employment and didn’t dare voice her discontent. Likewise, she didn’t object when Schneider referred to her and Stratton as “the girls” rather than using their names.
Additionally, the two women asserted that Schneider made derogatory remarks about women’s ability to be humorous and engaged in belittling practical jokes.
At a different time, Schneider asked Stratton and Kilgen to keep quiet about the meaning behind the character name “Penelope Taynt” which he created for Bynes on “The Amanda Show.” They were apprehensive about defying his wishes and kept silent to avoid his displeasure.
When Kilgen discovered that their shared salary violated union regulations, she notified the Writers Guild of America. Kilgen revealed that Schneider had warned her over the phone, threatening that if it was proven she was the informant, she would be blacklisted from working for Nickelodeon or any other Viacom-owned company.
In their report, it was mentioned that Dan Schneider refutes Jenny’s allegations, asserting that he held no authority over salary payments.
A representative from Schneider clarified to TopMob News that while “The Amanda Show” was made by a separate production company (Tollin/Robbins), both the network and the Writers Guild of America had influence over the salaries on shows created by him as well.
Regarding Schneider’s past actions, it’s unfortunate that writers’ rooms were sometimes inappropriate settings, even over two decades ago. However, Dan deeply regrets his part in creating such an environment and has since evolved as a person. His previous behavior was unacceptable for any workplace and he would never engage in such conduct again.
In the show, Bell shared that she can recall every detail of the harmful experiences, yet the memories of other events from her life and career during that time are vague. It’s unfortunate as there were many enjoyable moments in her life that got lost in the shadows due to the inner turmoil she was dealing with.
An actor, who is divorced from Janet Von Schmeling (their separation occurred in 2022), admitted guilt in 2021 for one count each of attempting child endangerment and sharing harmful content with a minor. He received community service and probation as punishment.
I’m absolutely devastated and heartbroken as I reflect on my past actions. In a video shared online, I confess to having carelessly exchanged messages with a fan who turned out to be underage. It never occurred to me then, but now I deeply regret my ignorance. The moment I discovered the truth, I immediately ended all communication. I want to clarify that during our interaction, there was no exchange of sexual images or any physical contact whatsoever between us.
In an interview for the show, Bell shared that his past as a teenager resulted in self-damage and intense self-hatred. To alleviate his pain, he turned to excessive drinking and substance use as a form of escape. Regarding his 2021 arrest, he acknowledged taking responsibility but was overwhelmed by the spread of incorrect information in the media that further fueled his downward spiral.
In April 2023, I went missing in Daytona Beach, Florida, but to everyone’s surprise, I reappeared the very next day with a casual laugh, attributing my disappearance to forgetting my phone in the car and staying out late. However, prior to this incident, there were reports indicating that I had sought treatment for substance abuse as an outpatient earlier that year.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that in first person like this: In the show, the artist from Ready Steady Go! admitted that if I had persisted on that course, my demise could have been imminent.
I had reached my lowest point, I admitted, so I decided to seek help. I entered a treatment center, where I began my journey towards healing. Surrounded by caring individuals who genuinely cared about my well-being, I underwent intensive grief and trauma therapy for the first time in years.
My tenure at Nickelodeon came to an end in 2018 when they decided to cancel my show “Game Shakers” after three successful seasons. However, “Henry Danger” continued on for a fifth season. In a heartfelt statement, the network acknowledged the “impressive and groundbreaking hits” we’ve produced together, expressing their deep gratitude towards me and my Schneider’s Bakery team for our invaluable contributions to Nickelodeon. Meanwhile, I shared that our passion for the network would always remain strong.
Reports surfaced not long after his dismissal that the reason was a multitude of conduct concerns raised against the productive content maker during the post-#MeToo period. (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 aggressive but uncovered no proof of sexual misconduct.)
In a statement to “Quiet on Set,” he clarified that the reason given for his departure from Nickelodeon, as reported earlier, was not entirely true. Yet, he acknowledged that he would have handled certain situations differently if given another chance in the past, having gained valuable insights since then.
After the first broadcast of “Quiet on Set,” Schneider spoke with actor BooG!e from “iCarly” in an interview. He expressed regret for any uncivil or thoughtless actions, but refuted accusations of racial bias and exploiting underage actors sexually in his productions.
When O’Brien mentioned Schneider’s apology, Hearne and his fellow “All That” alum Giovannie Samuels chuckled disbelief.
In my opinion, his entire interview struck me as amusing, Hearne admitted. If I may be honest, Dan was an actor before this fame hit him. So, I believe he put on a show for us, showcasing his acting skills. But where was all the sincere apologies when Jennette McCurdy released her book?
In her shocking 2022 autobiography titled “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” McCurdy revealed various experiences, including the requirement to wear a bikini on iCarly and being urged to consume alcohol by an unnamed individual, whom she referred to as “The Creator.”
Hearne added, “An apology devoid of accountability is empty. In essence, if we remove the questionable humor, what remains of your program?”
I’m absolutely thrilled and borderline obsessive about “Quiet on Set” and the latest episode, I can’t get enough! I reached out to Schneider, hoping for some insight or behind-the-scenes scoop. But alas, no response yet from the mastermind himself. Patiently waiting… or not so patiently, really. #QuietonSetFanboy.
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2024-07-16 23:22