The directors of Disney Channel’s “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”, Beth and Rich Correll, publicly apologized for writing letters in 2003 supporting Brian Peck, who was convicted of sexually abusing a child actor on “Boy Meets World”.
Peck also allegedly abused former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell.
The Corrells wrote the letters without knowing the truth of Peck’s abuse.
A new docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” explores these allegations, prompting the Corrells’ apology to Bell for unwittingly supporting Peck and putting children in danger.
Despite Peck’s conviction, he was later hired for “The Suite Life”, though the Corrells claim no input in that decision.
They expressed being “saddened and appalled” by the abuse details, saying children must be protected and in safe environments always.
The Corrells hoped Bell could now heal from the trauma and that they were profoundly sorry.
“If we had known the truth at the time the letters were written, we never would have written them,” the Corrells stated. “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.”
The directors 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,” the directors wrote.
