LOS ANGELES, California – The popular podcast “Pod Meets World” took a serious turn on Monday as former stars of the sitcom “Boy Meets World” discussed the difficult topics of grooming, childhood sexual abuse, and their friendship with a convicted child abuser whom they had befriended during the show.
Hosts Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, along with family therapist Kati Morton, delved into a candid conversation about a guest star from “Boy Meets World” who had a dark past. Brian Peck, who appeared in season 5 of the show, was convicted in 2003 of a lewd act against a child and spent 16 months in prison. This revelation came to light as the hosts were contacted for a statement on Peck, who they had befriended as young actors.
The candid discussion revealed how Peck, a man in his 40s at the time, had manipulated his way into the lives of the young actors, exploiting their trust. Despite his criminal acts, Peck had garnered support from the actors, who even wrote letters to the judge on his behalf and faced the victim’s family in court.
Furthermore, the hosts also addressed the attitudes towards the gay community in the mid-to-late 90s, speculating whether Peck’s sexuality may have played a role in allowing him to maintain relationships with actors 20 years his junior without any objections from the adults around the set. They highlighted the importance of establishing boundaries between adults and minors, regardless of sexual orientation.
The episode closed with the group emphasizing the importance of having these difficult conversations to help others recognize and address manipulation and grooming. By sharing their own experiences, they aimed to assist others who may be in similar situations, offering guidance and support to those who may be victims of manipulation by a predatory individual.