Drake Bell responds to allegations of abuse
Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell has responded after his ex accused him of being abusive in their relationship.
Melissa Lingafelt, who goes by her stage name Jimi Ono, recently made the allegations in a TikTok video.
The clip has gone viral and has prompted others to speak out.
She shared a string of photos with Drake from when they were dating.
"It wasn't until recently that I actually realised that abuse isn't something that all women have to go through," she voiced over.
Melissa alleged he became verbally abusive about a year after they moved in together.
TikTok @jimiono
"And when I say verbal abuse, imagine the worst type of verbal abuse you could ever imagine, and that was what I got."
"It then turned to physical - hitting, throwing, everything."
"At the pinnacle, he drug [sic] me down the stairs of our house on Los Feliz."
Melissa recalled, "My face hit every step on the way down. I have photos of this."
She continued, "I don't even want to get into the underage girls thing."
"I mean I will, but I'm scared."
@jimionoThis is my truth. I hope this message reaches young girls, and that no one has to go through what I did. ##2020survivor♬ original sound - jimiono
Instagram Stories
Taking to Instagram Stories, Melissa insisted that everybody who knows her, already knows this story.
She wrote, 'I have so many witnesses, I have photos, it was my life.'
'If you don't believe me, it is clear to me what kind of person you are, and I don't need that on my side.'
She continued, 'Nobody wants attention from abuse!!!!!!!'
'I hope this gives girls the strength to come out about their experiences with him, because I know for a fact he has hundreds of victims.'
Instagram Stories @jimi_ono
It seems this Instagram Story post prompted others to speak out about their experiences with Drake.
Melissa shared a number of screenshots from women accusing Drake of a number of things.
The Drake & Josh star is being accused of statutory rape, mental, physical and verbal abuse.
@jimionoladies! Come forward, let’s unite and show we mean business and this will NOT be tolerated!! ##endabuseagainstwomen
Drake denies the allegations
In a statement to People, Drake denied Melissa's allegations.
He told his side of the story, 'As our relationship ended - more than a decade ago - we, unfortunately, both called each other terrible names, as often happens when couples are breaking up. But that is it.'
'Clearly, Melissa still felt close enough to me just last year that she was comfortable reaching out to ask me to provide her with financial support during a tough time (which I did).'
Drake said, 'I do not know if today’s behavior is some kind of misguided quest for more money or attention.'
'But I cannot and will not allow these offensive and defamatory allegations to go unchallenged and I am reviewing my legal options.'
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No further comment has been made.
