Josh Peck Speaks Out about Drake Bell, Stays Quiet on Set
Drake Bell Shares How Brian Peck Manipulated Him
Bell recounted how Peck intentionally drove a wedge between him and his father, Joe Bell, who also appears in the ID series and supports his son’s story. This manipulation allowed Peck to spend more time with the teen, who had a recurring role on The Amanda Show before starring in his own sitcom, Drake & Josh, in 2004.
Bell explained that Peck would take him to auditions and then insist he stay overnight, claiming it was too late to go home. One fateful night, Bell woke up on the couch where he always slept, only to find Peck sexually assaulting him.
“I froze in shock, unsure of how to react or escape the situation,” Bell admitted. He kept the abuse a secret, fearing it would end his career. Even when his then-girlfriend’s mother noticed something was wrong and took him to therapy, Bell remained silent.
Eventually, Bell confided in his mother, who immediately contacted the police. Detectives had Bell provide a detailed account of the abuse and orchestrated a phone call with Peck, listening as he confessed. Peck was arrested on Aug. 20, 2003, following his admission of guilt.