July 15, 2025 – Parasocial relationships, where fans form one-sided emotional bonds with celebrities, can sometimes spiral into obsessive and unethical behavior. Here are ten shocking instances where fans crossed serious boundaries, ranging from invasive actions to outright dangerous behavior, highlighting the darker side of fandom.
- Taylor Swift’s Stalker Breaks Into Her Apartment (2023)
Mitchell Taebel, a 36-year-old Indiana man, was arrested in June 2023 for stalking Taylor Swift after breaking into her Nashville apartment building. Taebel sent a chilling voice memo via Instagram, claiming he’d “happily wear a bomb” if he couldn’t be with his “soulmate.” His actions followed a pattern of obsessive behavior, including sending threatening messages and showing up at Swift’s properties. - John Lennon’s Murder by an Obsessed Fan (1980)
Mark David Chapman, a former Beatles fan, shot and killed John Lennon on December 8, 1980, outside his New York City apartment. Chapman’s obsession turned to disillusionment, believing Lennon and the Beatles were corrupted by fame. His actions remain one of the most tragic examples of a parasocial relationship turning deadly. - Chappell Roan Faces Invasive Fan Behavior (2024)
Pop star Chappell Roan publicly addressed “predatory” fan behavior in August 2024, citing stalking, unwanted touching, and harassment of her friends and family. The intense parasocial attachment from fans, amplified by her rapid rise to fame, led to her diagnosis of depression in September 2024, forcing her to set firm boundaries. - Ariana Grande’s Home Intruder (2020)
An obsessed fan was arrested in March 2020 after breaking into Ariana Grande’s Los Angeles home. The intruder, who had been sending disturbing messages, showed up with a knife and a love note, claiming an intimate connection with the singer. This incident highlighted the physical dangers of unchecked parasocial obsession. - Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber Social Media Harassment (2023)
Following Hailey Bieber’s TikTok videos in February 2023, perceived as mocking Selena Gomez’s appearance, Gomez’s fans launched a vicious online campaign. They flooded social media with defenses of Gomez and spread false claims about Bieber, amplifying a parasocial feud that gained Gomez millions of followers while harming Bieber’s reputation. - Doja Cat’s Fanbase Backlash (2023)
In July 2023, Doja Cat told her fanbase, “Kittenz,” to “get a job” and delete their fan accounts after they demanded she express love for them. Her blunt rejection of parasocial expectations led to several fan accounts shutting down and an open letter on X accusing her of ingratitude, showing how fans felt entitled to her affection. - K-Pop Fan Sneaks Into Idol’s Hotel Room (Undated)
An American fan of a K-pop group followed the band across the U.S., sneaking into their hotel room in an extreme breach of privacy. This incident, reported by a fellow fan, underscores how parasocial obsession can lead to invasive actions, disregarding celebrities’ personal boundaries. - Chris Evans and Alba Baptista Misinformation Campaign (2022)
After Chris Evans began dating Alba Baptista, some fans launched a Twitter trend, #cancelAlbaBaptista, spreading false racist tweets attributed to her. The campaign, driven by fans’ parasocial attachment to Evans, aimed to defame Baptista, showing how fans can harm others to “protect” their idol. - Miley Cyrus’ Repeat Stalker (2024)
In June 2024, a fan with a history of obsession was arrested at Miley Cyrus’ home after multiple attempts to contact her. The individual had previously shown up at her property, demonstrating a dangerous escalation of parasocial behavior that required police intervention. - Taylor Swift Fans Boo at Wedding (Undated)
When Taylor Swift attended her best friend’s wedding, fans camped outside the event, expecting personal acknowledgment. When Swift didn’t engage, they reportedly booed and chanted, “Very disappointing, not cool,” showcasing an entitled sense of ownership over her time and attention.