The usually lighthearted atmosphere of the Pod Meets World podcast took a serious turn as hosts and former Boy Meets World stars delved into the difficult topics of grooming, childhood sexual abuse, and their association with convicted child abuser Brian Peck.
Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, known for their roles as Topanga Lawrence, Shawn Hunter, and Eric Matthews respectively, joined family therapist Kati Morton in a candid discussion about their past friendship with Brian Peck, a guest star on the show who was later convicted of child molestation.
In 2003, Brian Peck, who appeared in a two-episode arc of Boy Meets World during its fifth season, was accused of molesting a child. He was subsequently convicted of lewd acts against a child and oral copulation of a person under 16, serving 16 months in prison.
Recently, ahead of the airing of the documentary Quiet on Set, which explores alleged abuse at Nickelodeon, Strong and Friedle were contacted for a statement on Peck, prompting them to reflect on their past interactions with him.
During the podcast, Friedle recounted how Peck had ingrained himself into his life, describing him as a charismatic individual who seamlessly became a part of his social circle. The hosts speculated that Peck’s sexuality as an openly gay man may have influenced the leniency with which his relationships with younger actors were viewed, highlighting the fluid attitudes toward the gay community in the mid-to-late ’90s.
The actors also discussed the manipulative tactics employed by Peck, who they believed had reversed the situation to portray himself as the victim. Despite accusations against him, Peck had garnered support from Strong, Friedle, and even Fishel, who wrote letters to the judge on his behalf and stood by him during court proceedings. Friedle expressed remorse for being misled by Peck’s manipulation, acknowledging the impact it had on the victim and their family.
The episode concluded with the group expressing their hope that by sharing their experiences, they could raise awareness and potentially help others recognize signs of manipulation or grooming by individuals like Peck. Their candid conversation sheds light on the complexities surrounding cases of abuse and highlights the importance of vigilance and support for victims.
