Drake Bell posts controversial tweets about Caitlyn Jenner, retracts after backlash

LOS ANGELES, June 2 (UPI) -- Monday was a big day for the trans community and the entire public when Caitlyn Jenner -- formerly known as Bruce -- made her debut as a woman; but some celebs still held back with their own acceptance, and some, like actor and musician Drake Bell, took to Twitter to share.

Bell, 28, tweeted a controversial comment directly after Jenner's Vanity Fair debut Monday writing, "Sorry...still calling you Bruce."

Immediately after, netizens and celebrities on various social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr responded with heavy disapproval.

Michelle Visage, celebrity judge on RuPaul's Drag Race, immediately responded to the ex-Nickelodeon star with disappointment: "DISRESPECTFUL AND SHADY. I am seriously shocked by this. And extremely disappointed," she posted on Twitter, linking back to Bell's now-deleted tweet.

Bell quickly attempted to explain that his stance was not transphobic, but nostalgic.

"I'm not dissing him! I just don't want to forget his legacy! He is the greatest athlete of all time! Chill out!" he reportedly tweeted in response to heavy criticism. It did not help.

The Drake and Josh actor retracted his alleged transphobic statements and tweeted, "That's Bravery!" instead. However, the damage was already done, and he deleted that tweet as well.