Disney Channel Directors Issue Apology Over Drake Bell Support Letters Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

Former Disney Channel administrators Wealthy and Beth Correll have issued a public apology for writing letters of help on behalf of Brian Peck, a former Nickelodeon dialogue coach accused of sexual abuse by Drake & Josh star Drake Bell.

In an announcement supplied to Selection, the Corrells expressed deep remorse over their determination to advocate for Peck, acknowledging that they had been unaware of the reality surrounding the allegations on the time the letters had been written. They prolonged their heartfelt apologies to Drake Bell and his household, acknowledging the ache and trauma brought on by Peck’s actions.

The apology comes within the wake of revelations made within the Investigation Discovery docuseries titled “Quiet on Set: The Darkish Facet of Children TV.” The sequence explores varied points inside the youngsters’s tv trade, together with allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

Drake Bell recounted his experiences with Brian Peck within the docuseries, detailing cases of alleged sexual abuse that started when Bell was simply 15 years previous. Peck, who had beforehand labored on Nickelodeon reveals similar to All That and The Amanda Present, was finally arrested and convicted on fees of kid sexual abuse.

Beth and Wealthy Correll apologize for writing letters defending Brian Peck in his court docket case towards Drake Bell. #QuietOnSet pic.twitter.com/0EpP6fQymL

— Obiscure Nick (@ObiscureNick) March 26, 2024

The Corrells, who had directed episodes of All That and The Amanda Present, expressed shock and devastation upon studying the reality about Peck’s actions. They emphasised their dedication to youngster security on set and expressed regret for inadvertently supporting Peck throughout his authorized proceedings.

Different trade figures, together with James Marsden, Taran Killam, Will Friedle, and Rider Sturdy, additionally wrote letters of help for Peck throughout his court docket case, in line with the documentary. Nevertheless, the Corrells confused that their main concern has all the time been the protection and well-being of youngsters within the leisure trade.

Of their assertion, the Corrells reaffirmed their help for Drake Bell and counseled his bravery in coming ahead together with his story. They expressed hope that Bell would discover therapeutic and urged for continued efforts to guard youngsters within the trade.

The fifth episode of “Quiet on Set: The Darkish Facet of Children TV,” scheduled for launch on April 7, will additional discover the challenges and points inside the youngster leisure trade. Former members, together with Drake Bell, will talk about potential steps ahead for making certain a safer setting for younger performers.

Former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider sat down with @THR to handle allegations and tales of abuse from #QuietOnSet documentary. pic.twitter.com/w40Ra7ipYS

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 19, 2024