Drake Bell addresses ‘reckless and irresponsible’ texts to minor
Drake Bell says he owes his fans an explanation for his “reckless and irresponsible” texts to a minor.
The former “Drake & Josh” star, who was sentenced to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service back in July after pleading guilty to child endangerment, took to Instagram on Thursday to address his actions.
Bell, 35, said in a video that he responded to a fan without knowing their age. He claims he stopped communication with the individual once he learned they were a minor.
“This individual continued to come to shows and pay for meet and greets, all while I was unaware that this was the same person I was communicating with online,” he alleged. “That’s what I plead guilty to. It was reckless and irresponsible text messages. I want to make clear that there were no sexual images, nothing physical between me and this individual … this is strictly over text messages.”
“When I was presented with a plea deal, because of the messages, I felt that it was the best way to get this over quickly, and for everybody involved to be able to move on,” he continued. “And for me to get back to doing what I love, and that’s making music for you.”
Bell concluded the video by thanking fans who “saw through the lies” and continued to support him amid his legal struggles.
“Thank you to all of you for sticking by me,” he said. “I love you and I will see you soon.”
Bell also shut down reports claiming he legally changed his name to Drake Campana (the moniker that appears in his Instagram bio) and moved to Mexico.
“I didn’t change my name. Although I would love to, I’ve never moved to Mexico, I’ve never been a resident or a citizen of Mexico,” he said. “I don’t have a Mexican passport. I didn’t get arrested, I didn’t go to jail.”
He added, “Most of the news you’ve heard recently is entirely false and wrong.”
During a July hearing, which took place over Zoom, Bell’s accuser called the disgraced actor “a pedophile,” stating, “That is his legacy.” She claimed Bell began grooming her at the age of 12, allegedly abused her at 15 and sent her photos of his genitalia.
“He was calculating. He preyed on me and sexually abused me,” the victim alleged. “He is a monster and a danger to children.”
Bell apologized at the time and admitted his conduct “was wrong.”
“I’m sorry that the victim was harmed in any way, but that was obviously not my intention,” he said. “I have taken this matter very, very seriously. And again, I just want to apologize to her and anyone else who may have been affected by my actions.”
Ian Friedman and Madelyn Grant, attorneys for Bell, also released a statement to the press following the July hearing.
“Today’s plea and sentence reflect conduct for which Mr. Bell did accept responsibility,” the statement read. “The victim’s allegations that went beyond that which all parties agreed, not only lack supporting evidence but are contradicted by the facts learned through extensive investigation.”
“As the court made clear, this plea was never about sexual misconduct or sexual relations with any person, let alone a minor,” continued the statement. “Sexual registration was not imposed as Mr. Bell did not plead guilty to any such offense. Drake and his family are relieved to have this matter behind them. He looks forward to, once again, performing for all of his supportive fans around the world.”