Chanel Maya Banks, an actress known for her role in Gossip Girl, has reportedly gone missing, prompting her family to initiate an urgent search effort.
The 36-year-old disappeared in Los Angeles approximately two weeks ago, with her last known communication taking place on 30 October when she sent a text message to her cousin, Danielle-Tori Singh.
Speaking to ABC7 News, Singh expressed her concern: “Five days without hearing from my cousin is red flags and alarm bells. She doesn’t go more than 48 hours without speaking to me or her mom…That girl is more like a big sister to me.”
Singh further alleged that Banks’ husband has not been cooperative with authorities or the family in their search efforts.
Family members report that upon entering the apartment Banks shared with her husband, they found many of her possessions still there, although her laptop and phone were noticeably absent.
Singh commented on her cousin’s husband: “He’s not willing to help LAPD. He’s not willing to help me or her mom find her. He is removing flyers off of posts and cars.”
To further the search, Singh has started a GoFundMe campaign to finance the hiring of a private investigator, due to concerns that the police and local authorities are not fully committed to the investigation.
The fundraiser mentions: “LAPD have told us because there’s no signs of foul play, and her husband has not committed any crime by withholding information, there’s nothing they can do until they have evidence or probable cause to arrest him.
“We also need money for hotels, food, rental car and gas. We are not from Los Angeles. I flew in from Toronto, Canada and her mom flew here from New York.
“Chanel has no family or friends here and would NEVER go somewhere without telling her mom. Please help us find my cousin.”
Banks gained recognition for her role as Sawyer Bennett in the third season of the popular series Gossip Girl, and has also appeared in shows like Blue Bloods and films like Twelve.
She has been officially declared missing in California and is associated with missing person case number #241414853.
In discussions with the media, Singh provided additional information regarding Banks’ husband, claiming they have communicated with him about her disappearance.
The husband reportedly stated, “She does not want to be found, she will reach out when she’s ready.”
Singh further added, “He claims he does not know where she is, he says he hasn’t seen or heard from her since November 7, but never called police to say she’s gone.”