Drake Bell Furious Over Taran Killam’s Success After Supporting Abuser

Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell isn’t holding back when it comes to calling out Hollywood’s tolerance for those who have defended abusers, pointing directly at actor Taran Killam as an example.

Drake Bell, who recently opened up about his own experience with sexual abuse in "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," took to social media to share his frustration.

Bell posted a photo, which has since been deleted, of Killam appearing in ABC’s crime drama "High Potential," along with a pointed caption, "Write a letter defending an abuser and Hollywood will always hire you."

Killam, known for his time on "Saturday Night Live" and his recent appearance on the show’s 50th-anniversary special, is part of the cast of "High Potential," which was recently renewed for a second season.

As previously reported, Killam was one of several Hollywood figures who wrote letters of support for Brian Peck during his 2004 sentencing. Peck, a former Nickelodeon dialogue coach, was convicted of child molestation and ultimately served 16 months in prison before being required to register as a sex offender.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Killam wrote in his letter, “I’ve seen the effects this situation has had on Brian, and I know for a fact that he regrets any mistakes made.”

Killam wasn’t the only name attached to the case. Other high-profile figures, including James Marsden, Robin Thicke, and "Boy Meets World" actors Will Friedle and Rider Strong, also vouched for Peck.

However, after being publicly called out by Bell, Friedle and Strong have since apologized.

Drake Bell is continuing to speak out about the dark side of his time at Nickelodeon, shedding light on his painful experiences and the abuse he endured at the hands of former Nickelodeon producer Brian Peck. In a candid conversation for "Quiet On Set," Bell reflected on the trauma that has left lasting scars.

“You know, anytime I had an audition, or anytime I needed to work on dialogue or anything, I somehow ended up back at Brian’s house," Bell recalled, clarifying that Peck is not related to his former "Drake & Josh" co-star, Josh Peck.

The former child star then described a harrowing moment of abuse. “I was sleeping on the couch where I would usually sleep, and I woke up to him, I opened my eyes, I woke up, and he was sexually assaulting me."

Bell recounted how the shock of the moment left him frozen, unsure of how to react. "And I froze and in complete shock and had no idea what to do or how to react, and I had no idea how to get out of the situation," he shared.

Though speaking out has been an emotional process, Bell acknowledged the power of telling his story.

“Just because I mean, it did help, getting, putting it out, getting my story out, and it's, it's really great having people come up to me,” he said on "The Sarah Fraser Show." “When I'm at the airport or wherever and meet and greets and stuff and sharing their stories and how, how the stories help them.”

However, he was also transparent about the long-term effects of his trauma. “But still, at the end of the day, I mean, it's not just because I put it in a documentary is like it doesn't go away. It’s something I am going to live with for the rest of my life.”

Bell also revealed an unexpected turn of events in his career where he worked with someone who had previously impersonated him.

“It’s a strange situation,” he admitted, explaining that while the impersonator’s actions were initially unsettling, he eventually saw potential in their abilities. “But the artist in me was like listening to what he was doing and was really good.”

Rather than taking legal action, Bell instead proposed a collaboration. “How about you ask me for permission to use my stuff, but we can do some original stuff together,” he recalled. "The Sarah Fraser Show" host likened the situation to tactics used by the U.S. government, drawing a parallel to "Catch Me If You Can." Bell agreed, calling it “White Collar.”

Bell’s latest remarks continue to highlight the industry’s history of overlooking past support for abusers, and his pointed criticism raises questions about Hollywood’s accountability in the wake of the "Quiet on Set" revelations.