Sabrina Carpenter Obtains 5-Year Restraining Order Against Alleged Stalker

Courts and Crime

Sabrina Carpenter Granted 5-Year Restraining Order After Alleged Stalker Gives Chilling Testimony

A judge issued the strict stay-away order after the man claimed he was part of a "classified military government program" and had to contact Carpenter to save the world

By Nancy Dillon

Nancy Dillon

Contact Nancy Dillon on X

Contact Nancy Dillon by Email

- D4vd, Singer Accused of Murdering 14-Year-Old, Wins Delay of Major Hearing - Chris Brown Dog-Mauling Trial Delayed Over Mistrial - Michael Jackson’s Abuse Accusers Get New 2028 Trial Date

View all posts by Nancy Dillon

June 17, 2026

A Los Angeles judge granted pop star Sabrina Carpenter a five-year restraining order against a man who, testifying in court on Wednesday, claimed he is part of a “classified military government program” along with the singer.

Speaking in a deep, monotone voice, William Applegate said he had been recruited to the program at a local Los Angeles hotel, that his mission involved “the second coming of Christ,” and that he had to contact Carpenter to save the world.

“Carpenter and I being together as soon as possible is essential,” he told the court. “I’m the center. I’m key to this entire process.”

Carpenter appeared remotely via a video link but did not testify. The judge permitted a media camera in the courtroom, though he said Carpenter could turn off her own camera.

After Applegate testified, Carpenter’s lawyer, Blair Berk, asked for the five-year order, arguing that Applegate had admitted in social media posts and court declarations that he had traveled to Carpenter’s private homes on more than a dozen occasions.

Berk said that on May 23, Applegate “seriously alarmed and harassed” her client when he broke into her neighbor’s property, climbed over a fence, and attempted to open the front door of Carpenter’s house while she was inside. The incident was detailed in the singer’s May 29 filing for an emergency temporary restraining order, which the court granted in advance of Wednesday’s hearing.

In issuing his ruling, Los Angeles County Judge David I. Wasserman ordered Applegate to stay at least 100 yards away from Carpenter at all times until midnight on June 17, 2031, and to keep his distance from her homes, her vehicles, and her places of work. The judge said Applegate can’t try to contact Carpenter and cannot own or possess any firearms or ammunition.

“Sir, I want to be very clear. Please listen closely,” Judge Wasserman said, speaking directly to Applegate in the courtroom. “I understand it’s your belief that in order to save the world, you and [Carpenter] need to be together. I understand that is your belief. [But] this court has issued its order. And I expect you to obey the order, not what you think the military commands of you. … I don’t want you to leave here thinking that your purpose is greater than what I think. The order is the order, and you must follow it. Do you understand?”

Editor’s picks

The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far

The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time

The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

100 Best Movies of the 21st Century

Applegate replied, “I understand what you’re saying.”

In a signed declaration previously obtained by Rolling Stone , Carpenter said she had never met Applegate and did not invite him to her home. She called his attempt to enter her front door one of “the most disturbing violations of personal safety and privacy I have ever experienced.”

“His pattern of stalking, trespassing, and surveillance has caused me severe and ongoing emotional distress, and I am in fear what he may do if he is not restrained by this court,” Carpenter wrote.

Trending Stories

Bruce Springsteen, U2, Stevie Wonder, More Stars to Perform at Obama Presidential Center’s Opening

_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sabrina-carpenter-restraining-order-granted-testimony-1235579785/)._