Gossip Girl Star Chanel Maya Banks Declares She Was Never Missing Amid Family Controversy
Chanel Maya Banks, known for her role in Gossip Girl, publicly refuted missing person claims made by her family, announcing on Instagram that she was safe and free. Following her family's concerns that she hadn't been heard from since October 30, Banks vehemently accused them of long-standing abuse and manipulation. She stated she was in Texas for a baptism, seeing it as an escape from her troubled family dynamics and urged against donations for her missing person case, which was later deemed false.
Chanel Maya Banks, known for her role in Gossip Girl, has addressed her family's claims of her being missing through an extensive Instagram statement, accusing them of long-standing abuse. After her family reported her missing, Banks has firmly stated that she was never in danger and is currently safe.
Banks's Family Expressed Concern About Her Well-Being
Earlier this month, Banks was reported missing by her family after a wellness check revealed she was not at her Los Angeles residence, which she shares with her husband. Her relatives expressed worry after not hearing from the 36-year-old since October 30. The alarm raised significant media attention, with Banks' cousin, Danielle-Tori Singh, initiating a GoFundMe campaign to help fund a search for the actor in California. Singh claimed Banks' husband had mentioned that she "did not want" to be located.
Bank's Safety Confirmed After Police Intervention
Despite Singh's concerns about the lack of communication, which she described as alarming, police later located Banks safe and unharmed in Texas. Following this, Banks updated her Instagram bio to declare, "I am not missing." Despite the confirmation from the LAPD, Singh maintained her belief that the reports were misleading, insisting that the individual seen in police bodycam footage was not Banks.
Allegations of Abuse and Manipulation from Family
In a statement released to True Crime News, Banks asserted that she had never been a missing person. She expressed that her recent experiences had granted her a newfound sense of freedom after years of what she described as "abuse, manipulation, and outright endless torment" inflicted by her family. In her Instagram statement, Banks revealed her intention to visit Texas for a baptism with Pastor Robert Clancey, viewing it as an opportunity to break free from her oppressive family environment.
Personal Connections and Family Dynamics Examined
Banks revealed she had not been in contact with her cousin for over 15 years, characterizing her as "fame-hungry." She expressed discontent with her family's control over her life choices, emphasizing that she was never allowed to make decisions independently. In conclusion, Banks urged her followers to refrain from contributing to any GoFundMe campaigns that claim she was missing, noting that the fundraising page has now been taken down.
Professional Endeavors of Chanel Maya Banks
Known for her role as Sawyer Bennett, a friend of Jenny Humphries (played by Taylor Momson) in Gossip Girl, Banks has also appeared in shows like Blue Bloods and Twelve. Reports suggest she has transitioned her focus toward writing in recent years.
