• Drake Bell spoke on a podcast about his decision to plead guilty to attempted endangering children and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles nearly three years ago
• Bell cleared up allegations of grooming a 15-year-old girl, saying that the accusations were not true and that he took responsibility for inappropriate conversations with the girl
• Bell detailed his experience as a victim of sexual abuse by his former dialogue coach Brian Peck and the impact it had on his mental health and career, leading him to check into rehab and undergo therapy
Here is what happened:
Drake Bell recently addressed his decision to plead guilty to one count of attempted endangering children and one count of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles nearly three years ago. In an episode of the podcast “Not Skinny But Not Fat,” Bell admitted to being irresponsible and engaging in conversations that led to false allegations. The investigation revealed that Bell violated his duty of care and sent inappropriate social media messages to a 15-year-old girl who attended his concert in December 2017.
Despite initially pleading not guilty, Bell changed his plea to guilty and was eventually sentenced in July 2021 to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service. Bell expressed regret for his actions and the impact it had on his family. He acknowledged that the allegations made against him were not true, but he took responsibility for his actions, as he did not want to put his family through more hardship.
The podcast interview also shed light on Bell’s past experiences, including being the unnamed minor in the case that led to a 2004 sexual assault conviction of his former dialogue coach, Brian Peck. Bell shared about the extent of the abuse he faced at a young age and the impact it had on him. The series also highlighted the support system Peck had in Hollywood, showcasing letters of support from various industry figures. Bell expressed his gratitude for the support he received while reflecting on the trauma he endured.
In more recent events, Bell addressed his current struggles, including incidents of substance abuse and a reported disappearance in Daytona Beach, Florida. He revealed seeking outpatient treatment for substance abuse and explained how he hit rock bottom before checking into a treatment facility. Bell reflected on his past experiences and expressed a desire to move forward positively. In response to the documentary series, Bell’s former colleagues expressed skepticism about apologies and called for accountability for past inappropriate behavior. Ultimately, the series shed light on the complexities of Bell’s past, his journey to recovery, and the need for reflection and growth in the wake of past misconduct.
