On June 6, 2025, global pop superstar Taylor Swift took decisive legal action by filing for a restraining order against Brian Jason Wagner, a 45-year-old man from Henderson, Colorado, accused of harassing and stalking her for nearly a year. The filing, submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court, detailed a series of disturbing incidents that have left the 35-year-old singer fearing for her safety and that of her family. On June 9, a judge granted a temporary restraining order, mandating that Wagner stay at least 100 yards away from Swift, her home, her workplace, and her vehicle until a hearing scheduled for June 30. This case marks yet another chapter in Swift’s ongoing struggle with obsessive individuals who have targeted her over the years, highlighting the darker side of fame and the constant security challenges faced by high-profile celebrities.
A Pattern of Unwanted Visits
According to Swift’s court filing, Wagner’s troubling behavior began in July 2024, when he first appeared uninvited at her Los Angeles residence, a $25 million property she purchased in 2015. Swift, known for hits like “Blank Space” and “Fortnight,” stated that Wagner returned multiple times that month, each time confronted by her security team. On at least one occasion, he was seen carrying a glass bottle, which her team noted could have been used as a weapon. Swift emphasized that Wagner’s claims during these visits were “untrue and disconnected from reality,” including assertions that he lived at her property, was in a romantic relationship with her, and believed she was the mother of his son.
Wagner’s persistence escalated in May 2025, when he appeared outside Swift’s estate on consecutive days, demanding to meet her and claiming he was checking on a friend. Swift firmly denied any connection to Wagner, stating in her declaration, “I have no relationship with Mr. Wagner and I have never met nor communicated with him.” These repeated intrusions, coupled with Wagner’s refusal to leave when confronted, heightened Swift’s anxiety about her personal safety, prompting her to seek legal protection.
Disturbing Communications and Deceptive Actions
Beyond physical visits, Wagner’s actions extended into more invasive territory. Swift’s security team discovered that he had sent hundreds of emails to her staff, many containing “concerning and threatening language.” These communications, described as inappropriate and alarming, added to the growing sense of unease surrounding Wagner’s fixation on the singer. Even more audacious was Wagner’s alleged attempt to establish residency at Swift’s address. He reportedly misled the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to change his driver’s license address to match Swift’s Los Angeles home, a deception uncovered when the license was mailed to her property. Swift noted that she has never shared her address with Wagner or publicly disclosed her residence, making his ability to locate her home particularly unsettling.
Further investigation by Swift’s team revealed that Wagner’s obsession predated his physical visits. While incarcerated in 2023 for charges including forgery and theft in Colorado, Wagner wrote lengthy letters to Swift, detailing a fabricated romantic relationship and other delusions about his involvement in her life. These letters, combined with his later actions, painted a picture of a man whose fixation had grown increasingly dangerous. Swift’s filing underscored the emotional toll of these incidents, stating that Wagner’s behavior created a “fear of imminent harm” for herself and her family.
A History of Security Threats
This is not the first time Swift has faced such challenges. As one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities, she has been a target for obsessive fans and stalkers throughout her career. In January 2024, a man named David Crowe was arrested multiple times in New York City after repeatedly appearing outside Swift’s Manhattan residence. Crowe, who was charged with stalking and harassment, had visited her home over 30 times in a matter of months, leading to his eventual transfer to a mental health facility after being deemed unfit for trial. In July 2024, another individual was detained outside Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, after allegedly making threats against both Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. The suspect was held until Swift left the city, ensuring her safety during the performances.
Swift’s history with stalkers dates back over a decade. In 2017, a man was committed to a psychiatric facility after attempting to enter her Tribeca apartment building in New York. The following year, another individual broke into her home, used her shower, and slept in her bed, resulting in a prison sentence. In 2019, a man was arrested near her Rhode Island property with burglary tools, and in 2020, another was sentenced for sending violent letters to her former record label. These incidents, among others, illustrate the persistent security risks Swift faces, necessitating robust legal and personal protections.
The Broader Context of Celebrity Safety
Swift’s case sheds light on the broader issue of celebrity safety in an era where personal information is increasingly accessible. The singer has been open about the challenges of maintaining privacy, telling CBS Mornings in 2019, “I try not to ever really say where I am, since all my addresses are on the internet.” The ease with which Wagner located her Los Angeles home, despite her efforts to keep it private, underscores the vulnerabilities faced by public figures. The rise of social media and online databases has made it easier for individuals to track celebrities, often with harmful intentions.
For Swift, these challenges are compounded by her high-profile relationship with Kelce and the intense public scrutiny that comes with it. The couple has faced additional security concerns, including a burglary at Kelce’s Kansas City home in October 2024, where thieves stole valuable items, including his first Super Bowl jersey. The incident forced Swift and Kelce to temporarily relocate, highlighting the constant need for vigilance. During her Eras Tour in Europe, Swift also faced potential threats, with some shows reportedly targeted for terrorist attacks, leading to heightened security measures and canceled performances.
Legal Protections and Next Steps
The temporary restraining order granted on June 9 provides Swift with immediate protection, prohibiting Wagner from contacting, harassing, or approaching her. If violated, Wagner could face arrest, a critical measure given his persistent behavior. The upcoming hearing on June 30 will determine whether a more permanent order is necessary, potentially extending the restrictions indefinitely. Swift’s legal team has meticulously documented Wagner’s actions, including his criminal history, which includes guilty pleas for motor vehicle theft, forgery, and theft in Colorado in 2023. This background strengthens the case for ongoing protection, as it suggests a pattern of deceptive and unlawful behavior.
Swift’s decision to pursue a restraining order reflects her proactive approach to safety, a necessity for someone in her position. While the legal system offers tools like restraining orders, their effectiveness depends on enforcement and the individual’s willingness to comply. For Swift, who has faced multiple stalkers, each incident reinforces the importance of robust security protocols, from on-site teams to legal interventions.
The Emotional and Professional Toll
While Swift’s public persona is one of resilience and creativity, the emotional impact of these incidents cannot be understated. In her filing, she expressed genuine fear for her safety, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced harassment. The constant need to monitor potential threats, coupled with the invasion of her private space, adds a layer of stress to an already demanding career. Swift’s ability to continue performing, releasing music, and engaging with fans—evidenced by her record-breaking Eras Tour and recent acquisition of her masters—demonstrates her strength, but it also highlights the personal sacrifices required to maintain her success.
Professionally, Swift has navigated these challenges with remarkable focus. Her Eras Tour, which began in 2023, has been a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of fans across the globe. Yet, behind the scenes, incidents like Wagner’s alleged stalking require her team to remain on high alert, balancing public appearances with private security concerns. Swift’s relationship with Kelce, a source of joy for her and her fans, has also been tested by external pressures, from media scrutiny to safety threats, yet the couple continues to support each other publicly and privately.
Looking Ahead
As Swift awaits the June 30 hearing, the temporary restraining order offers a measure of relief, but the broader issue of stalker behavior remains a persistent challenge. For celebrities like Swift, legal protections are a critical tool, but they cannot fully eliminate the risks of fame. Her case serves as a reminder of the need for stronger privacy laws, better mental health resources for individuals exhibiting obsessive behavior, and increased awareness of the toll that harassment takes on public figures.
In the meantime, Swift remains a beacon of resilience, using her platform to advocate for herself and others while continuing to create music that resonates with millions. Her ability to confront these challenges head-on, from filing restraining orders to maintaining her artistic output, is a testament to her strength and determination. As she moves forward, both in her career and personal life, Swift’s story underscores the importance of safety, boundaries, and the unyielding spirit of a woman who refuses to be defined by the threats she faces.
