While most celebrity obsessions stay online, some stalkers actually become a danger to the stars they’re obsessed with. Learn more about some of the most famous celebrity stalker cases, which ended with restraining orders or even jail time.
From the latest stalker scandal that involved Sandra Bullock to the most disturbing stalkers of the ‘80s and ‘90s, find out which celebrities were targeted by unbalanced individuals.
Sandra Bullock
Joshua James Corbett, who broke into Sandra Bullock’s home while the actress was there, has been charged with 19 felony counts. The stalker has stockpiled a true weapons arsenal, including 7 machine guns. This isn’t the first time Bullock had a bad experience with a stalker. In 2020, Marcia Diana Valentine tried to run over Bullock’s husband in the couple’s driveway.
Alec Baldwin
One of the famous celebrity stalker cases, actress Genevieve Sabourin developed an obsession with Alec Baldwin, almost a decade after meeting him. She was arrested in 2020, after stalking Baldwin at his Greenwich Village apartment. She served 7 months in jail starting in November 2020 for stalking, harassment and contempt of court.
Madonna
The singer had to face her stalker in court in 1996 in an emotional moment. Madonna cried as she told the court that this was exactly what Robert Dewey Hoskins had wanted, a chance get up close and personal with her. After multiple threats made to Madonna and her bodyguards and a home invasion, the former firefighter was sentenced to 10 years in jail.
Justin Timberlake
In one of the famous celebrity stalker cases, Justin Timberlake was harassed by Karen McNeil, a woman who had already received a restraining order for stalking Gun ‘N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. The stalker trespassed on Timberlake’s property, tried to get into his home and ended up with a 100 yards restraining order, forbidding her from approaching the singer, his home and his car.
Selena Gomez
With more than one dangerous stalker, Selena Gomez seems to be a big attraction for deranged individuals. In 2020, Thomas Bodnicki was ordered to stay away from her, but he was still trying to contact her in 2020. Selena’s newest stalker, Che Cruz, was arrested after trying to break into her home, and went right back after he was released from custody.
Janet Jackson
In one of the most famous celebrity stalker cases, Janet Jackson was pursued for 9 years by Robert Gardner. The stalker even tried to get in touch with her at Michael’s 2020 trial. “It is only a matter of time before he has the opportunity to harm me,” Janet claimed in her request for a restraining order again the man, filed in 2020.
Brad Pitt
Another bizarre home invasion case involved Brad Pitt in 1999. His stalker, actress Athena Rolando, broke into his home and dressed in his clothes. The woman claimed that she heard voices that guided her to the star’s home. She didn’t end up in jail, but had to face psychological counseling and a three year probation.
Paula Abdul
After appearing on “American Idol” in 2020, Sandra Goodspeed developed an obsession with the star choreographer, singer and judge. The stalker legally changed her name to Paula and tried to contact Abdul over 100 times.
See also: Most Famous Celebrity Twitter Feuds
It’s one of the famous celebrity stalker cases that ended in tragedy. The stalked committed suicide with a drug overdose outside of Abdul’s home.
Björk
In another terrifying case, Ricardo Lopez sent Björk an acid bomb and committed suicide on video while playing her music. The package didn’t reach the Icelandic singer, but the incident marked a big change in her relationship with her fans. Björk became significantly more private and aloof following the whole affair.
Jodie Foster
One of the famous celebrity stalker cases, Jodie Foster was the target of John Hinckley Jr., who tried to impress the actress by attempting to assassinate president Ronald Reagan. After watching “Taxi Driver”, the stalker moved near Yale University, where the actress was studying. When sending her poetry didn’t work, he fired six shots at Reagan in 1981, claiming his actions were “the greatest love offering in the history of the world”.
Photos: PR Photos, Getty Images
