In a recent episode of their podcast, Pod Meets World, Boy Meets World stars Rider Strong and Will Friedle opened up about the unsettling experiences they faced with guest star Brian Peck.
Known for his two-episode stint on the popular Disney sitcom, Peck was convicted of s**ual abuse in 2004. Strong and Friedle discussed their interactions with Peck, shedding light on the disturbing allegations of grooming and manipulation.
Background
Brian Peck, now 63, had been convicted of s**ually abusing an unidentified Nickelodeon child actor in 2004. The Boy Meets World actors revealed that, before his crimes became public, Peck had intricately woven himself into the lives of young cast members. Friedle, who played Eric, shared how Peck presented himself as a charismatic, funny individual, leading to a close friendship where they attended shows together.
Complicated Connections
Despite a 20-year age gap, Strong, who played Shawn, also found himself spending considerable time with Peck. The actors detailed how Peck's s**ual orientation may have influenced the reluctance of adults on set to question the close relationships, emphasizing the importance of recognizing boundaries between adults and children.
Unveiling the Past
Peck's dark past came to light in 2003 when he was accused of molesting a child, leading to his conviction on eight counts of s**ual abuse. The actors were unaware of these charges at the time and found themselves supporting their friend during the court hearing. Fishel, who played Topanga, pointed out that the fear of being labeled as homophobic hindered the adults on set from intervening.
Reflections and Regrets
Friedle and Strong, who stood by Peck during the legal proceedings, expressed regret for their ignorance and subsequent support. Friedle confessed ongoing struggles with his decision, emphasizing that their unintentional alignment with the abuser adds to the complexity of the situation.
Facing the Fallout
The actors shared their concerns about discussing Peck on their podcast, acknowledging the potential impact on the cultural memory of Boy Meets World. Strong highlighted the discomfort in breaking their silence and the unfortunate shift of focus from the show's positive aspects to Peck's criminal history.
