Additional Coverage:
- ‘Saved by the Bell’s Mark-Paul Gosselaar Opens Up About Alleged ‘Beef’ With Late Co-Star Dustin Diamond (parade.com)
Mark-Paul Gosselaar, along with fellow Saved by the Bell alumni Elizabeth Berkley and Mario Lopez, recently addressed rumors of a feud with the late Dustin Diamond during a 90s Con panel in Hartford, Connecticut. An audience member asked about a possible reconciliation with Diamond before his passing in 2021. Gosselaar clarified that there was no need for reconciliation, stating the perceived “beef” was a media creation, not a reality amongst the cast.
He referenced Diamond’s tell-all book, Behind the Bell, stating that the cast didn’t take it personally. Gosselaar attributed the book’s negativity to Diamond’s younger age at the time of filming, emphasizing the significant age gap between a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old. He described Diamond as a “little brother” to the older cast members, a sentiment echoed by Berkley and Lopez.
Gosselaar also recounted a positive encounter with Diamond at a previous Comic Con, further dispelling rumors of animosity. He expressed disappointment that the feud narrative persists, emphasizing the positive relationship they shared.