In wake of the recent documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, directors Beth (Zoey 101, Drake And Josh) and Rich Correll (What I Like About You, The Suite Life Of Zach & Cody) have reportedly apologized for the letters supporting Brian Peck (Forever Strong, X2) in his legal battle against Drake Bell (Rags, ICarly). Variety reports that their letters had been revealed during the docuseries. Beth and Rich Correll worked on various Nickelodeon and Disney shows.
Beth and Rich Correll stated in their apology to Variety: “We extend our deepest apologies to Drake Bell and his family, and we deeply regret our decision many years ago to request leniency for someone who we later learned had committed horrible crime and caused so much pain and trauma to Drake and others. If we had known the truth at the time the letters were written, we never would have written them, there are no words to express how awful we feel for being on the wrong side of a horrific situation and the trauma it caused you, Drake. We are devastated that we unwittingly supported the unsupportable.”
They also added: “Our biggest priority having worked on many sets throughout the years was the safety of children. We would never knowingly put any child in danger. We are saddened and appalled to hear all the in-depth details following the release of ‘Quiet on the Set.’ Children must be protected and should always be in a safe environment…both at work and at home. Drake, you are in our hearts, we are proud of your bravery, and we hope that now you are able to heal. Again, we are so sorry.”
According to Variety, Peck got job on Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody after being released from jail. Rich and Beth Correll served as director and second AD on 55 episodes of the children’s program. The Corrells informed the documentary’s producers that Peck’s casting was entirely outside of their control and that when they questioned him about the situation, Peck stated, “the problem had been resolved.” Peck provided voiceovers for three Suite Life of Zach & Cody episodes, but Variety can attest that he never visited the set and had no contact with the actors or crew. Disney Channel replaced him as soon as they found out about his conviction.
In addition to the Correll’s apology, Nickelodeon issued a statement concerning the numerous allegations made against producer Dan Schneider in the docuseries: “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,” the network stated. “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.”
Schneider has since issued an apology, and Bell addressed the network’s apology, according to Variety. After the documentary’s release, Bell stated on the podcast The Sarah Fraser Show: “They still show our shows, they still put our shows on, and I have to pay for my own therapy, I have to figure out what — I mean if there was anything, if there was any truth behind them actually caring, there would be something more than quotes on a page by obviously a legal representative telling them exactly how to tailor a response.”
Variety reached out to Peck for comment, but he did not reply.