Celebs know that when they become famous, part of being in the spotlight is having your every move followed. It comes with the territory that public figures suddenly become interesting and even their most basic errands, like running to Starbucks or the grocery store, become news stories. The downside of that closeness to their fans comes at a terrifying price: when the admirer crosses the line from fan to stalker. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find out where you can catch a glimpse of your favorite star in the flesh. Great for those of us looking for a quick selfie, but not so great for those creepers looking to camp outside someone’s house (poor Sandra Bullock!).
Selena Gomez
Selena had a terrifying stalker in 2012, when a man claimed he had “over fifty conversations with God a day, about killing Ms. Gomez.” Even more scary, the man urged Selena to file a restraining order against him. In a statement, he said, “I believe that a restraining order should be issued against me to prevent me from trying to contact Selena Gomez. I do not wish to object to the restraining order against me because I know it is the only thing that will make me stay away from Selena.” Um, WHAT?!
Justin Bieber
A man in prison for the brutal rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl concocted a plan with a prison buddy and his nephew to castrate Justin with garden shears so he could have his, uh, “parts” as a souvenir. The prisoner said, of Justin, “He’s a good-looking kid. Would I go to bed with him? Yeah. He’s legal, so probably.” The other two men were arrested after police found out about their sick plans. YIKES.
Madonna
The Queen of Pop had two frightening stalker situations with one person who was convicted of stalking her in the ’90s and escaped the mental institution where he was committed. Her stalker was deemed a huge threat and was first sentenced to 10 years in prison for stalking Madge in 1996. Her bodyguards were forced to shoot him when he hopped the fence at her home. The man had said he was either going to marry Madonna or “slash her throat from ear to ear.” Thankfully, the man was caught and put back into custody, leaving Madonna and her family safe.
Uma Thurman
A man was convicted in 2008 for stalking Uma Thurman for YEARS. He sent her sexually suggestive cards and drawings (including one showing a man standing over an open grave with a razor blade in his hand). OMG.
Beyonce
Back in 2009, Beyonce received threatening letters from a man who was convinced Queen Bey was killed by a Beyonce impostor who took over the real star’s life.
Selena
Justin Timberlake
In 2009, a woman showed up at Justin’s house and claimed to be God. She also said she was destined to rule the world with Justin. She was deemed “mentally unstable” and put in psychiatric custody and Justin received a restraining order against her. Prior to stalking JT, the woman was obsessed with Guns N’ Roses frontman, Axl Rose, and was arrested several times outside of his home.
Kim Kardashian
Back in 2010, Kim Kardashian’s stalker was reportedly contacting Kim constantly and showing up at all of her LA events. In 2013, the judge granted Mrs. West a permanent restraining order against him.
Britney Spears
Back in 2002, a man madly in love with Britney Spears sent her love letters, e-mails and pictures of himself with messages like “I’m chasing you.” A restraining order was issued, but he still stalked poor Brit outside two of her houses as well as her parents’ home. Then, oddly, he tried to sue Britney after her bodyguards confronted him outside her home. He claimed he suffered “extreme emotional stress” after one of Brit’s guards pointed a gun at the man. However, the case was quickly dismissed.
Miley Cyrus
Miley had a man arrested after he violated a restraining order to stay away from her. He would wait for the VMA host outside of movie sets and even claimed he was engaged to her!
Sandra Bullock
In 2013, a man was arrested for bringing a loaded gun to Sandra Bullock’s house — forcing Sandra to lock herself in her room until the cops came.
Rihanna
Rihanna finally received a restraining order against a fan after he threw a chair through her window, broke into her house, and insisted he was her future husband. That was the only time he was actually found there, alluding to more instances. Eep.
Jennifer Lawrence
In 2013, a man harassed Jennifer Lawrence AND her family by calling and emailing her brother. He went to her hometown to seek out her mom’s house also. Yikes!
Ashley Tisdale
Ashley’s stalker landed himself in jail after ignoring police orders to stay away from the High School Musical star. He tweeted her over 18,000 times (!!), including death threats.
Taylor Swift
Taylor received a restraining order against a man who believed he was married to Taylor and vowed to murder anyone who came between them. He sent her emails, letters, and tweets saying frightening things like: “If anyone in Taylor Swift’s family gets killed, it is not my fault.” and “My wife, Taylor Swift (Sweet) and I live in Beverly Hills. I am in love with her. In conclusion, we treat each other with dignity and respect. I will carry a gun to protect her the rest of my life.”
Jennifer Aniston
In 2010, a man with a history of violence and criminal stalking spent 8 days trying to find Jennifer Aniston and told police he believed he was in a relationship with her. The cops found he had carved the words “I LOVE YOU JENNIFER ANISTON” into his car. After being arrested, the man was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold and was ordered to stay away from Jennifer.
