Drake Bell, the former child star who captivated audiences in Drake & Josh, has recently been the subject of renewed public interest, particularly in light of the Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV documentary. This documentary delved into the darker aspects of his early career, including the abuse he suffered. Amidst this resurgence of attention, many are asking: Why is Drake Bell in Mexico? This question taps into a fascinating chapter of his life, one where he seemingly embraced a new identity and career south of the border.
Drake Bell Smiling in a Casual Setting, Possibly in Mexico
In 2019, fans noticed a significant shift in Drake Bell’s public persona. The American star appeared to transition into “Drake Campana,” adopting the Spanish translation of his surname. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. Bell began engaging with his audience primarily in Spanish, notably on his Instagram account where he even shared a photo of what seemed to be his Mexican identification card. He solidified this linguistic pivot by announcing on X (formerly Twitter) that his social media communication would henceforth be exclusively in Spanish, declaring “my social networks will now only be in Spanish, no more English.”
This linguistic transformation was accompanied by a genuine immersion into the Mexican music scene. Drake Bell released Sesiones en Casa (Home Sessions), an album entirely in Spanish, showcasing his musical versatility beyond his Nickelodeon roots. His single “Going Away” achieved impressive success, topping the iTunes charts in April 2023. Furthermore, his touring schedule heavily favored Mexico, with performances across the country rather than his native United States. His social media further cemented this Mexican connection, featuring posts celebrating Mexican Independence Day, advertising his Mexican tour dates, and sharing Spanish-language memes, all contributing to the perception of Drake Bell as a figure deeply intertwined with Mexican culture.
However, this apparent relocation and rebranding sparked speculation. Some observers initially linked his move to Mexico to the resurfacing of abuse allegations from his former girlfriend, Melissa Lingafelt. Lingafelt publicly detailed verbal and physical abuse she allegedly endured during their relationship, claiming the abuse began roughly a year into their relationship, escalating to physical violence. She described experiencing “the worst type of verbal abuse you could ever imagine” and recounted a specific incident of physical assault. While these allegations were serious and garnered attention, it’s crucial to note the timeline. Drake Bell’s shift towards Mexico began in November 2019, while Lingafelt’s allegations emerged in August 2020. This chronological disparity suggests that the move to Mexico was likely not a direct reaction to these allegations.
Adding another layer of complexity, Drake Bell himself has denied ever actually moving to Mexico or becoming a resident. Following his 2021 trial for child endangerment charges, Bell clarified in an Instagram video that he had never officially relocated. He reiterated this point in a recent interview with Mexican outlet Hola, stating that he currently resides in Los Angeles but expressed a strong affinity for Mexico and a desire to live there in the future. He described feeling “depressed” upon returning to Los Angeles after spending time in Mexico, highlighting a deep personal connection to the country.
So, if Drake Bell hasn’t officially moved to Mexico, what explains his strong association with the country? The answer likely lies in a strategic branding decision, coupled with a genuine appreciation for Mexican culture. Whether it’s a calculated career move, a heartfelt embrace of a culture he loves, or a combination of both, Drake Bell’s “Drake Campana” persona has undeniably resonated with audiences in Mexico. His recent appearance in Quiet on Set marks a significant return to the public eye in the US, yet his established presence and popularity in Mexico remain a defining aspect of his current career trajectory. The full motivations behind his branding shift may remain unclear, but Drake Bell’s connection to Mexico is a multifaceted phenomenon that continues to intrigue fans and observers alike.
