Drake Bell Reveals Josh Peck Privately Reached Out To Him Amid ‘Quiet On Set’ Revelations: “It’s Been Very Sensitive”

Drake Bell defended his former Nickelodeon co-star Josh Peck against the growing backlash he’s faced on social media since the release of Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.

In the documentary series, Bell opened up publicly for the very first time about being abused by Nickelodeon employee Brian Peck when he was a teen. (Brian and Josh are unrelated, despite sharing a last name.) Many fans began attacking Josh on social media when they noticed that he hadn’t yet publicly commented on the shocking abuse Bell faced, as well as the numerous allegations made against their former boss, Dan Schneider.

Bell shared a video on TikTok asking fans to take it easy on his former Drake & Josh co-star.

“I just want to clear something up. I’ve noticed a lot of comments on on some of Josh’s TikToks and some of his posts,” Bell said. “I just want to let you guys know that this is really, you know, processing this and going through this is a really, emotional time and a lot of it’s very, very difficult. So not everything is put out to the public.”

He revealed that, despite Josh’s apparent silence, they have privately been in touch.

Bell added, “But I just want you guys to know that he has reached out to me and it’s been very sensitive. But he has reached out to to talk with me and help me work through this. And has been really, really great. So just wanted to let you guys know that and to take it a little easy on it.”

@drakebell

♬ I kind of relate – Drake Bell

Bell’s announcement comes after Josh shared a video on social media that some speculated was aimed at his former co-star.

“If I haven’t talked to you since 2023, take it as a sign that you don’t exist to me anymore,” Josh lip-synced over audio in the TikTok. “Bye! See you never.”

Fans flocked to the comments, demanding that he speak up in light of the claims Bell made.

Brian was arrested in 2003 on 11 charges of child sexual abuse, though the minor in the case remained unnamed for decades until Bell came forward in Quiet on Set. The documentary series marked the first time Bell has publicly spoken about the abuse and manipulation he endured while working with Brian at Nickelodeon.

“I was just trapped. I had no way out. The abuse was extensive and it got pretty brutal. I don’t know how to elaborate on that on camera, really,” Bell said in the docuseries. “Why don’t you think of the worst stuff that someone could do to somebody as a sexual assault, and then I’ll answer your question. I don’t know how else to put it.”

If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.