Gossip Girl actor mysteriously vanishes as parents accuse husband of refusing to help search
An actor known for her role in Gossip Girl has mysteriously vanished, with her parents accusing her husband of refusing to help the desperate search for their daughter.
Chanel Maya Banks, 36, hasn't been seen in two weeks.
She portrayed Sawyer Bennett in the third series of the popular TV show Gossip Girl, as well as appearing in the likes of Blue Bloods and Twelve.
It is reported she disappeared in Los Angeles, with members of her family flying in to help.
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Her cousin, Danielle-Tori Singh told ABC7 News: "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 claims Banks' husband of one year hasn't been cooperating with authorities or the family. Welfare checks were conducted at the actors' home on 7 and 8 November and didn't locate her.
Her family claim they recently entered the apartment she has been living in with her husband, where they found her belongings except for her laptop and phone.
Her dog was also there despite her 'not going anywhere without' it.
The cousin added of the man: "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."
Singh has launched a GoFundMe to help raise money to 'hire a private investigator' as they worry the police aren't taking the case seriously enough.
"LAPD have told us because there’s no signs of foul play, and her husband has not committed any crime by with-holding information, there’s nothing they can do until they have evidence or probable cause to arrest him," she wrote.
"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."
Singh also described how they have asked the husband where Banks is, but claims all he responds is: "She does not want to be found, she will reach out when she's ready."
She 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."
Banks has been listed as an official missing person in California and her missing person case number is #241414853.
LADbible Group has contacted the LAPD for a comment.
Jess Battison