Actor and musician Drake Bell took to social media to defend himself against false allegations of paedophilia, saying that trolls on the internet are driving him to the point of suicide for insisting he’s a sex offender.
Drake Bell threatens suicide if trolls keep up the sex offender jokes
The former child star, known for his role on the Nickelodeon show Drake and Josh, pleaded guilty in 2021 to one felony charge of attempted endangering children.
A woman had claimed that she and Bell exchanged sexual messages and photos when she was just 15, and eventually met at one of his shows, where she alleges she performed oral sex on him.
Bell was sentenced to two years probation for the charge but did not have to register as a sex offender.
Despite not being listed as a sex offender, Bell has been repeatedly called a paedophile and sex offender on social media, causing him to speak out on the matter.
In response to the false accusations, Bell tweeted, “Noooo Immmm Nooooooottttt!!!! You people are going to kill me.”
He also replied to another tweet, saying, “Nooooo I wasn’t!! You people are destroying my life.”
The constant harassment and false accusations have clearly had a serious effect on Bell, particularly after going missing last week and his wife filing for divorce.
According to TMZ, Bell was reported missing on Friday, and police considered him “endangered” before they located him several hours later.
Bell’s brother had told cops that Drake threatened suicide over child custody issues. Things only got worse when news broke that his estranged wife, Janet, had filed for divorce on Thursday, 20 April 2023.
In addition to defending himself against accusations of paedophilia, Bell also addressed his divorce on Twitter, writing, “I found out my wife filed for divorce from TMZ…check out my new song” and dropping a link to his song Going Away.
In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group, and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.