In the five-minute video, the Drake Parker depicter on 'Drake and Josh' is seen playing piano with his baby boy in the same location he made his virtual court appearance.
- Jul 13, 2021
AceShowbiz - Drake Bell appeared to be in good spirits after escaping jail time in his child endangerment case. Having gotten a probation sentence, the Drake Parker depicter on "Drake and Josh" serenaded his son on Instagram Live.
During the Monday, July 12 live stream, the 35-year-old Nickelodeon star played piano and sang while his cute baby boy sat on his lap. In the accompaniment of the since-deleted post, he simply penned, "Father Son jam sesh."
Drake himself revealed in late June that he had welcomed a child with his longtime partner Janet Von Schmeling. "In response to various rumors that are incorrect, I have been married for almost 3 years, and we are blessed to be the parents of a wonderful son. Thank you very much to all my fans around the world for your good wishes," he declared at the time.
Drake recorded the singing video less than an hour after making his virtual court appearance in the same location. At the hearing, he was sentenced to two years probation and 200 hours of community service for attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
The alleged incident took place on December 1, 2017 when he was set to perform at a club in Cleveland. It was reported that the 34-year-old had an inappropriate chat with the unnamed victim, who was 15 years old at that time.
Drake, born Jared Bell, was indicted on May 21 and released on bail. He initially maintained his innocence by entering a not guilty plea. He, however, changed his plea to guilty on June 22.
In the July 12 hearing, the "iCarly" alum admitted, "I just want to say today I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong. I have taken this matter very, very seriously." He then added, "I just want to apologize to her and anyone else who may have been affected by my actions."
Following the hearing, Drake's attorneys Ian Friedman and Madelyn Grant released a statement on social media. It read, "Today's plea and sentence reflect conduct for which Mr. Bell did accept responsibility. 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. Sexual registration was not imposed as Mr. Bell did not plead guilty to any such offense," the statement continued. "Drake and his family are relieved and grateful to have this matter behind them. He looks forward to, once again, performing for all his supportive fans around the world."
