By Austin Turner
Posted: Nov 13, 2024 / 04:28 PM PST
Updated: Nov 13, 2024 / 04:28 PM PST
The missing person case involving *Gossip Girl* actress Chanel Banks took an unexpected turn on Wednesday evening when the subject of a widespread search broke her silence on social media, declaring that she is “finally free” from the family frantically searching for her.
Banks, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Blue Bloods, was reported missing on November 8. She was located in Texas three days later, on November 11, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. However, her family, including her outspoken cousin Danielle-Tori Singh, disputes the identification, claiming that the person found was not Banks.
“Please don’t stop looking for my cousin,” Singh pleaded, stating that police ended the search based on an outdated ID that belonged to someone who doesn’t resemble Banks.
In response, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign, led by Singh, to continue the search efforts.
However, in a series of Instagram posts on Wednesday, Banks, 36, clarified that she is safe and accused her family of abusive behavior. “Please do not donate to any GoFundMe that says I am missing,” the actress wrote. “I am not missing.”
The posts, made from Banks’ verified Instagram account, came with detailed accusations of abuse. She explained that she had decided to sever ties with her family due to years of mistreatment, including allegations of sexual abuse at the hands of her family members.
Banks’ husband, Carlos Jimenez, spoke with KTLA and confirmed that she had taken a solo trip to Texas. “She had decided she didn’t want to talk to the family anymore due to past issues,” Jimenez said.
According to Banks’ social media posts, she had met with law enforcement to confirm her safety. She described her time in Texas as a journey to gain freedom from her family’s control, and revealed that her mother and stepfather’s alleged actions had caused her immense pain throughout her life.
In her lengthy Instagram post, Banks also accused Singh of using the situation to seek fame and disputed the claims about their recent communications. She added that the efforts to pursue a conservatorship over her life had been the final straw in her decision to cut ties with her family.
While the posts have not been officially verified, the Instagram account appears to belong to Banks, who has a history of posting personal content. As of 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, LAPD confirmed the search case was closed, stating that Banks is safe in Texas.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates from KTLA 5.
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