Drake Bell’s Wife Janet Files For Divorce Days After He Was Reported Missing and Found Safe
Posted April 21, 2023 by: Admin
Janet Von Schmeling, wife of former child star Drake Bell, has filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences” in Los Angeles County’s Superior Court on Thursday. The couple’s baby is also included in the divorce proceedings, with Von Schmeling requesting legal and physical custody, as well as spousal support. A representative for Bell did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
This news comes after Bell was reported missing in Daytona Beach, Florida, and later found safe. According to a police report cited by TMZ, Bell’s brother Robert had called the Orlando Police Department to report Bell was claiming he did not want to be alive following child custody concerns.
An Orlando police officer recounted the family’s concerns about alleged suicidal statements by Bell in a 911 audio recording obtained by Entertainment Tonight. Bell later made light of the incident in a since-deleted post on Twitter.
Bell, who rose to fame in the 2000s with roles on The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh alongside Josh Peck, has had some controversial headlines in recent years. He was accused by ex-girlfriend Melissa Lingafelt of verbal and physical abuse in 2020, and he has denied the allegations.
In June 2021, he was arrested for attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, and his victim accused him of sexual misconduct, but his attorney disputed the allegations. He pleaded guilty to the endangerment charges and was sentenced to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service, with an additional condition of not contacting the victim.
Bell and Von Schmeling confirmed their marriage and son in a 2021 tweet. While often quiet about their relationship, a source told PEOPLE in January that they were “committed to maintaining a peaceful co-parenting relationship and giving their son the best life possible” after separating late last year. Days before the incident in Daytona Beach, Bell was seen enjoying a day at Sea World with his young son Jeremy.
