In the glitzy yet often perilous world of Hollywood, Jodie Foster has long been a beacon of talent and resilience. The two-time Oscar-winning actress, renowned for her roles in cinematic masterpieces like The Silence of the Lambs and The Accused, has faced her share of challenges both on and off the screen. However, in late 2016, Foster found herself once again grappling with a disturbing reality that has haunted her for decades: the threat of obsessive stalkers. This time, it was her wife, Alexandra Hedison, who took decisive action by securing a restraining order against a new stalker, Celine Martelleur, who had been harassing the couple at their Beverly Hills home and on a film set in Toronto, Canada. This incident, coming just months after the release of Foster’s infamous stalker John Hinckley Jr. from prison, reignited concerns about the actress’s safety and the darker side of fame.

A New Stalker Emerges: Celine Martelleur’s Obsession

The alarming situation came to light in December 2016 when Alexandra Hedison, a photographer and actress who married Foster in 2014, filed for a restraining order against Celine Martelleur. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Martelleur had been relentlessly pursuing Foster, showing up uninvited at the couple’s Beverly Hills residence and even following Foster to Toronto, where she was filming at the time. Martelleur’s behavior escalated to the point of sending unsettling emails, one of which read, “I am still in Toronto until next month. I am around avoiding cops. Jodie is in my thoughts every minute.” This chilling message not only revealed Martelleur’s obsessive fixation on Foster but also her awareness of evading law enforcement, raising red flags for the couple’s safety.

On December 9, 2016, the situation reached a critical point when Martelleur buzzed the security gate at Foster and Hedison’s Beverly Hills home. When Hedison answered the intercom and asked who was there, Martelleur responded with an eerie confidence: “Celine, you should know who it is.” Alarmed, Hedison immediately contacted the police, but officers were unable to make an arrest at the time because no protective order was in place. This incident prompted Hedison to take legal action, resulting in a restraining order that required Martelleur to stay at least 100 yards away from Foster, Hedison, and Foster’s two sons, Charles, 18, and Kit, 15, whom she shares with her ex-partner Cydney Bernard.

A Haunting History: John Hinckley Jr. and the Legacy of Stalking

The emergence of Celine Martelleur as a stalker was particularly unsettling for Foster, given her traumatic history with obsessive fans. Just months before Martelleur’s actions came to light, John Hinckley Jr., Foster’s most notorious stalker, had been released from a psychiatric hospital in September 2016 after 35 years of confinement. Hinckley’s obsession with Foster began in the early 1980s when he became fixated on her after watching her in the 1976 film Taxi Driver. In a twisted attempt to win her affection, Hinckley attempted to assassinate then-US President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981, shooting him six times and injuring several others in the process. Hinckley’s stated motivation was to “impress” Foster, a horrifying act that left an indelible mark on her life and career.

Foster, who was just 18 years old and a student at Yale University at the time of the assassination attempt, was thrust into a media frenzy and forced to grapple with the psychological toll of being the object of such a dangerous obsession. In the years that followed, she largely refrained from discussing the incident publicly, choosing instead to focus on her craft. However, the release of Hinckley in 2016, after a judge determined he was no longer a threat to society, reopened old wounds for Foster and those close to her. The timing of Martelleur’s stalking—barely a few months after Hinckley’s release—underscored the ongoing challenges Foster faces as a public figure and the persistent risks that come with fame.

The Impact on Foster and Hedison’s Life

The stalking incidents took a significant toll on Foster and Hedison’s sense of security, particularly at their Beverly Hills home, which they had purchased in 2013 for $11.7 million. The 7,500-square-foot property, described as “nearly invisible” behind a towering hedge and boasting stunning views of Franklin Canyon, was meant to be a sanctuary for the couple and Foster’s children. However, Martelleur’s intrusion shattered that sense of safety. In the aftermath of the incident, Hedison’s decision to seek a restraining order was a necessary step to protect their family, but the emotional impact lingered.

By February 2019, Foster decided to list the Beverly Hills property for $15.9 million, a move that some speculated was influenced by the stalking incident. The decision to sell came just over two years after Martelleur’s harassment, suggesting that the couple may have felt unable to fully reclaim their peace of mind in the home where the incident occurred. The property, which featured five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a swimming pool, was a luxurious retreat, but the specter of stalking likely diminished its appeal as a safe haven.

Foster and Hedison: A Partnership Rooted in Strength

Despite the challenges posed by Martelleur’s actions, Foster and Hedison’s relationship has remained a source of strength and stability. The couple, who married in a private ceremony in April 2014, have consistently prioritized their privacy, a choice that has allowed them to nurture their bond away from the public eye. Friends of the couple have noted their deep connection, with one source telling PEOPLE, “They are very private when they’re around people they don’t know. But when they’re together, it can be like they’re in their own world.”

Hedison, a talented photographer and former actress known for her role in The L Word, has been a steadfast supporter of Foster throughout their marriage. Her decision to take legal action against Martelleur reflects not only her commitment to protecting their family but also her proactive approach to ensuring their safety in the face of a recurring threat. Foster, in turn, has often spoken about the profound impact Hedison has had on her life, describing her as “the love of my life” during her 2024 Emmy acceptance speech for her role in True Detective: Night Country.

The Broader Implications: Fame, Privacy, and Safety

The stalking incidents involving Celine Martelleur and John Hinckley Jr. highlight a darker aspect of celebrity culture: the loss of privacy and the potential for danger that comes with fame. For Foster, who has spent much of her life in the spotlight, these experiences underscore the delicate balance between public adoration and personal safety. Her reluctance to engage with the media about her private life, including her relationship with Hedison, can be seen as a protective mechanism, a way to shield herself and her loved ones from the kind of obsessive attention that has plagued her for decades.

Moreover, Foster’s case raises broader questions about the responsibility of society and the legal system in protecting public figures from harassment. While the restraining order against Martelleur was a crucial step, the fact that police were initially unable to act due to the absence of a protective order points to potential gaps in the system. For celebrities like Foster, who have faced multiple stalkers over the years, the need for more robust legal protections and security measures is evident.

A Resilient Legacy

As of April 2025, Jodie Foster continues to thrive in her career, with recent accolades including an Emmy win in 2024 and a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood’s most respected talents. Her marriage to Alexandra Hedison remains a cornerstone of her personal life, providing a foundation of love and support amidst the challenges of fame. While the specter of stalking has cast a shadow over her journey, Foster’s resilience and determination to live life on her own terms serve as an inspiration to many.

The restraining order against Celine Martelleur, secured by Hedison in 2016, was a necessary measure to protect their family, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks faced by those in the public eye. For Foster and Hedison, their partnership is a testament to the power of love and mutual support in overcoming adversity. As they move forward, their story is one of triumph—not only in their respective artistic endeavors but also in their ability to navigate the complexities of fame with grace and strength.