Drake Bell Calls Out Nickelodeon's 'Empty' Response to 'Quiet on Set' Bombshell Revelations

Drake Bell

On March 17, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV premiered on Max, revealing disturbing details of Nickelodeon employees' interactions with children. Drake Bell's bombshell revelations about the alleged sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of dialogue and acting coach Brian Peck were at the forefront.

Now, the former child actor has called out the network for its "empty" response to the documentary.

The Drake & Josh actor, 37, broke his silence following the release of the four-part series during a March 22 appearance on The Sarah Fraser Show podcast. During his conversation with host, Sarah Fraser, Peck shared his opinion of Nickelodeon's official statement.

“There’s a very well-tailored response saying, ‘Learning about his trauma,’ because they couldn’t say that they didn’t know about this or know what had happened, or anything," the former All That actor said. "So I think that was a really well-tailored response by probably some big attorney in Hollywood.”

Drake continued: "I find it pretty empty, their responses because I mean, they still show our shows. They still put our shows on. And I have to pay for my own therapy."

Following the release of Quiet on Set, Nickelodeon said in a statement, “Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct."

It continued: "Our highest priorities are the well-being and best interests not just of our employees, casts and crew, but of all children, and we have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience."

Of Bell specifically, the network noted, "We are dismayed and saddened to learn of the trauma he has endured, and we commend and support the strength required to come forward.”

In the documentary itself, Bell alleged that Brian (who has no relation to Bell's former co-star, Josh Peck) groomed and assaulted him when he was 15. Bell described the abuse as "extensive" and "brutal."

Brian pleaded no contest in 2004 to one charge of oral copulation with a minor under 16 and one charge of performing a lewd act with a 14- or 15-year-old. He spent 16 months in prison and is now a registered sex offender.

“Imagine the worst thing someone could do to someone as sexual assault,” Bell said in the docu-series. “I don't know how else to put it.”

Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV is now streaming on Max.

Next:  Josh Peck Reveals If He'll Let His Kids Watch Any of His Shows (Exclusive)