Drake Bell, once a familiar face on Nickelodeon, has found himself in the midst of controversy. In this article, we will explore the allegations against him and the reasons behind his name change.
Drake Bell’s Early Career:
Back in 2005, Drake Bell, along with his co-star Josh Peck, was on the rise as a Nickelodeon star. Drake’s journey in the entertainment world began at just five years old when he made his first TV appearance on “Home Improvement.” He was not only a talented actor but also a musician, co-writing and singing the famous “Found a Way” theme song for the show “Drake & Josh.”
Music Career:
Drake also ventured into the music industry, forming the group “Drake 24/7,” which released a few albums with modest success. His second album, “It’s Only Time,” made its debut at No. 81 on the Billboard 200 in 2006, selling 23,000 copies in its first week.
Allegations and Legal Consequences:
On June 4, 2021, Drake Bell faced arrest on charges related to the alleged endangerment of children. These allegations involved a young fan whom he had reportedly interacted with both online and in-person in Cleveland, Ohio, over several years. In July 2021, he received a two-year probationary period and was mandated to perform 200 hours of community service.
Drake Bell’s Age:
Drake Bell, born on June 27, 1986, in Newport Beach, California, is currently 36 years old. His journey into the world of entertainment began at a young age, with his parents’ separation occurring when he was just five years old.
Addressing the Allegations:
In an attempt to address the allegations, Drake Bell released a video where he explained his guilty plea. According to Cleveland officials, the victim, who was 19 at the time of Bell’s sentencing, had first contacted the Toronto Police in October 2018, leading to an investigation.
The victim claimed that her interactions with Bell began when she was 12, evolving into “blatantly sexual” exchanges by the time she turned 15. She expressed feeling uneasy due to his comments but felt trapped because she had idolized him. She accused Bell of exchanging explicit images and engaging in sexual conduct multiple times, including at a music venue in Cleveland in 2017 and at a hotel.
Bell admitted to making mistakes and behaving recklessly and irresponsibly but denied maintaining a long-term connection with the victim or recognizing her during their in-person meetings. He claimed that he was unaware of her age until he ceased communication.
Bell concluded his video by expressing gratitude to his supporters for conducting their own research and standing by him, cautioning against blindly believing everything portrayed in the media.
Legal Outcome:
Furthermore, the state of Ohio ultimately invalidated the claims against Bell, absolving him of all charges. In a surprising revelation, Bell disclosed that he had been secretly married to Janet Von Schmeling, the mother of his newborn child, for nearly three years.
The Name Change:
Now, let’s turn our attention to the curious case of Drake Bell’s name change. In November 2020, the musician altered his Twitter and Instagram handles to “Drake Campana” along with a Mexican flag. While his social media identity changed, it remains unclear if he has legally changed his name from Drake Bell to Drake Campana.
Bell is the Spanish word for Campana, and Drake cited his deep affection for Mexico and its culture as the reason for this change. Many speculate that this alteration aligns with his music career shift towards recording music in Spanish since 2019, although he has not issued an official statement regarding the matter. His social media now reflects a mix of Spanish and English content, and he released a Spanish album in 2020.
It’s important to note that despite these changes, Drake Bell clarified that he had not changed his last name, relocated to Mexico, or acquired citizenship there.
In conclusion
, Drake Bell has faced controversy and allegations in recent times, which he addressed in a video message to his fans. Additionally, his name change to Drake Campana appears to be closely tied to his evolving music career and his appreciation for Mexican culture. While these developments have captured attention, Bell’s legal troubles have come to a close with the state of Ohio dismissing the allegations against him.
