Josh Peck (left) and Drake Bell.Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images; Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
Josh Peckis addressing his former costarDrake Bell’s child endangerment case.
On Thursday, while attending the Los Angeles premiere event for the new Disney+ seriesTurner & Hooch, the 34-year-old actor spoke withVarietyabout Bell, who appeared with him on Nickelodeon’s 2004-2007 seriesDrake & Josh.
Last month, Bellplead guiltyto attempted endangering children, a fourth-degree felony, and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. Bell wassentencedto two years probation and 200 hours of community service in court on Monday.
“It’s upsetting, and it’s an unfortunate situation,” Peck told the outlet. “It’s disappointing.”
Drake & Joshfollowed the lives of stepbrothers Drake Parker (Bell) and Josh Nichols (Peck) and also starredMiranda Cosgroveas younger sister Megan Parker.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
During a virtual appearance at a Cleveland court on Monday, the actor, born Jared Bell, received his sentencing, where he was also told that he is also prohibited from contacting the victim.
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During the hearing, Bell’s victim, now 19, spoke publicly for the first time to read a statement in which she called him “the epitome of evil.” She accused Bell of grooming her from the age of 12 before allegedly sexually abusing her when she was 15.
She detailed the “pain” Bell allegedly caused her, which she said resulted in panic attacks and nightmares. She also said her parents have spent more than $7,000 for her to go to therapy. “He was calculating. He preyed on me and sexually abused me,” she said, alleging that he sent her photos of his genitalia. “He is a monster and a danger to children.”
RELATED VIDEO: Drake Bell Sentenced to Two Years Probation in Child Endangerment Case as Victim Speaks Out
Bell’s attorney, Ian Friedman, said during the hearing that his client had “accepted responsibility in this case” via his plea. However, Friedman disputed the victim’s claims that she and Bell had exchanged explicit photos, claiming there was no such evidence.
The judge declared that Bell “did take advantage” of the victim as she didn’t have “the emotional or mental maturity to properly engage” in their situation. “Your position and celebrity status enabled you to nurture this relationship,” the judge said. “You were able to gain access to this child and you were able to gain the trust of the child. So it’s a two-edged sword, your position. I hope you truly are remorseful, I don’t know [if you are].”
“As the court made clear, this plea was never about sexual misconduct or sexual relations with any person, let alone a minor. Sexual registration was not imposed as Mr. Bell did not plead guilty to any such offense,” Friedman continued. “Drake and his family are relieved to have this matter behind them. He looks forward to, once again, performing for all of his supportive fans around the world.”
source: people.com
