‘I’m afraid of this man’: Sabrina Carpenter obtains restraining order against stalker

American singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter took legal action in California a few days ago to obtain protection against a 31-year-old man, identified as William Applegate, whom she accuses of harassment and repeated intrusions near her home in Los Angeles.

According to court documents relayed by several American media, the case began on May 23. That day, the man first entered a neighboring property before crossing a security fence protecting the artist’s residence. He then allegedly headed towards the singer’s house and tried to open the front door by manipulating the handle several times.

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The individual also allegedly told security agents that he knew the star personally and was expected inside the property. CCTV footage handed over to authorities shows his altercation with the artist’s security team. He allegedly refused to leave the scene before the Los Angeles police arrived.

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Arrested then placed in police custody, the man was subsequently released. But according to Sabrina Carpenter, the harassment has not stopped. The next day, then again on May 25, the thirty-year-old was seen near his residence. Security members claim to have seen him parked for several hours in the area. A vehicle, allegedly attributed to him, was also observed several times in front of the property in previous weeks.

A temporary restraining order

Faced with these elements, the Los Angeles County Court granted a temporary restraining order on Monday. This prohibits William Applegate from coming within 100 meters of Sabrina Carpenter, her home, but also her sister and the latter’s companion.

At the same time, the suspect was charged with trespassing. He is due to appear in court on June 18. During this hearing, the court will have to determine whether the protection measures granted to the artist must be extended or strengthened.

In her petition filed with the court on May 29, the singer claims to have never met William Applegate and says she does not want any contact with him.

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“A dangerous, delusional and irrational obsession”

Faced with the increase in attacks Sabrina Carpenter now speaks of an anxiety-provoking situation: “His delusional insistence on knowing me and believing that I was waiting for him demonstrates a dangerous, delusional and irrational obsession with me. His harassment, intrusions, and surveillance are causing me severe and persistent emotional distress, and I fear what he might do.”

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During her hearing, she also explained that “the suspect’s entire behavior aroused in me significant and persistent fear for my personal safety, as well as that of all persons residing in my home”.

The star’s concerns are shared by the investigator in charge of the case. In documents sent to the courts, the police officer believes that the suspect represents a “clear, credible and permanent threat” and evokes signs of mental instability.