Kyle Sullivan, right, with the cast of “All That”.Photo:Globe Photos/Alamy Stock Photo
Globe Photos/Alamy Stock Photo
Brian Peck, the former dialogue coach who pleaded no contest to sexually abusing former Nickelodeon starDrake Bell, had a signed self-portrait painting of infamous serial killerJohn Wayne Gacythat he flaunted in front of another child star.
In an exclusive clip shared with PEOPLE, formerAll Thatcast member Kyle Sullivan, then 14, talks about seeing the inside of Peck’s home, which included a shrine toPlanet of the Apesand — most notably — a painting of a clown holding balloons, which seemingly had nothing to do with the famous sci-fi franchise.
Kyle Sullivan
Sullivan says when he asked Peck about the painting, the dialogue coach became excited.
“Brian flipped the thing around and on the back it said ‘To Brian, I hope you enjoy the painting. Best wishes, your friend, John Wayne Gacy,’” Sullivan recalls in the clip.
John Wayne Gacy, left, and a self-portrait.Bureau of Prisons/Getty; Steve Eichner/WireImage
Bureau of Prisons/Getty; Steve Eichner/WireImage
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“Brian actually developed a pen pal relationship with John,” Sullivan says. “He kept this pile of letters and photos from John Wayne Gacy in his nightstand next to his bed.”
“When we uncovered this revelation during the process of making the documentary, we were shocked," said series directors Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz. “It raised a lot of questions about power dynamics on set and off, and what dangers were hiding in plain sight. Exploring those dynamic and revealing the secrets behind how culture is made is at the core of what we are trying to do withQuiet on Set.”
Bell, who is featured prominently inQuiet on Set,says Peck, whom he met on the set ofThe Amanda Show,became his manager after originally working with him as a dialogue coach.
The formerDrake & Joshstar says Peck sexually assaulted him multiple times, beginning when he was 15 years old.
Drake Bell.Courtesy Investigation Discovery
Courtesy Investigation Discovery
“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 says inQuiet on Set. “And it just got worse, and worse, and worse, and worse, and I was just trapped. I had no way out. The abuse was extensive and it got pretty brutal.”
Peck pleaded no contest in 2004 to oral copulation with a minor under 16 and performing a lewd act with a 14- or 15-year-old, in connection with Bell’s case. He was mandated to register as a sex offender after serving 16 months in prison.
Brian Peck.Albert L. Ortega/Getty
Albert L. Ortega/Getty
Bell says that as a result of the abuse, he began drinking heavily and using drugs. In 2021, Bellpleaded guilty toattempted endangering children and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles after an online interaction with an underaged fan. He was sentenced to two years probation and community service.
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Nickelodeon responded to Bell’s revelations in a statement to PEOPLE.
“Now that Drake Bell has disclosed his identity as the plaintiff in the 2004 case, we are dismayed and saddened to learn of the trauma he has endured, and we commend and support the strength required to come forward,” the statement says.
ID president Jason Sarlanis says in a statement, “Quiet on Setscrutinizes the complicated issues that power dynamics can bring into play in any given situation and seeks to achieve a more robust conversation and better understanding of the dangers that can impact families.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
