Drake Bell, former star of the TV series Drake & Josh, has been charged with child endangerment. Bell starred alongside Josh Peck in the Nickelodeon series for over three years. The heartwarming comedy series followed the hilarious antics of two very different teenager stepbrothers, Drake and Josh. The series is often considered one of the best Nickelodeon shows, alongside iCarly and Victorious.
Since the end of the series, Bell has kept a relatively low profile. He did voice acting for Ultimate Spider-Man and A Mouse Tale, and made a number of guest appearances on various television shows, including iCarly. He also delved into his music career, releasing a total of five studio albums before his music career was hampered by a wrist injury. While he has remained active in the television, film, and music industry, he never quite replicated the fame he received for Drake & Josh. For the most part, Bell has faded from the public eye, which is why some might have been surprised to see his name making the rounds on social media. However, this return to the spotlight is not for a good reason.
As reported by Deadline, Bell has been charged with child endangerment in Ohio. Bell was taken into custody by Cleveland police following an indictment on May 21st for attempted child endangerment and for spreading matter that is harmful to juveniles. The details of the case have not been released, but the charges are believed to have stemmed from a 2017 internet chat that Drake engaged in with a minor that was allegedly sexual in nature.
Bell has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $2,500 bond. He agreed to have no further contact with the victim and will have a pre-trial hearing on June 23rd. At the time that he was arrested, Bell was in Cleveland to perform at The Odeon Concert Club. He has not publicly responded to the charges and few details are confirmed. However, it is apparent that he has allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct towards a minor who has in turn filed charges against him.
Unfortunately, Bell is only the latest in a long string of celebrities and former child actors who have fallen from grace and found themselves at the center of sexual abuse cases. The allegations are similar to James Franco's sexual abuse allegations, which initially began when he was scrutinized for sending inappropriate messages and attempting to meet-up with a 17-year old girl. YouTuber James Charles, as well, was recently slammed for sending inappropriate messages to minors. Hopefully, Bell's case will draw more attention to this trend in celebrities using their power, fame, and social media to prey on minor fans who admire them. Social media makes it all too easy for cases like these to occur and demonstrates the need for actors to be held accountable for the immense harm such inappropriate behavior can cause to victims. The allegations against Bell are disturbing to say the least, and as a trial ensues and more evidence is released, the truth will hopefully come out and justice can be achieved for the victim.
Source: Deadline