Taylor Swift has secured a temporary restraining order against a 45-year-old former inmate from Colorado, who is accused of stalking her and making strange assertions, including that she is the mother of his child.
Brian Jason Wagner, as identified in legal documents, has been showing up uninvited at Swift’s home in Los Angeles since July 2024, with multiple appearances occurring in May of this year. According to Swift’s complaint, he has made a series of incorrect claims regarding their alleged relationship, suggesting that he resides on her property and is in a romantic relationship with her. These troubling incidents have prompted Swift to pursue legal action.
The restraining order, effective until June 30, mandates that Wagner remain at least 100 yards away from both Swift and her residence. Swift’s security team performed a background check on Wagner, which revealed a criminal history, amplifying her fears for her safety. They also found that while incarcerated, Wagner had sent “detailed letters” describing a nonexistent romantic connection with the global star.
Intensifying stalker behavior and identity deception
Wagner’s alleged efforts to claim residence at Swift’s address are among the most alarming elements of this case. In her legal complaint, Swift asserts that he attempted to intercept her mail and misrepresented himself to the California DMV to secure a driver’s license, using her Los Angeles address as if it were his own.
“I do not publicize my residence and have never disclosed my address or the location of my Los Angeles home to Mr. Wagner,” Swift mentioned in her court filing.
The fact that Wagner successfully located her residence and has repeatedly shown up has heightened Swift’s concerns over her safety and that of her loved ones.
Reports from TMZ and Billboard indicate that Wagner’s actions reflect a troubling pattern. He has frequented Swift’s residence on numerous occasions, refusing to leave and insisting he requires access to the property. On several instances, he has maintained the delusional belief that he resides there and has a child with Swift, despite the patent falsehood of these claims.
A troubling pattern of celebrity stalking cases
Swift indicated in her filing that Wagner’s recent intrusions and escalating contact with her team have generated “a fear of imminent danger.” The judge overseeing the case will assess whether to issue a permanent restraining order following the expiration of the temporary one at the end of the month.
This is not the first instance Swift has encountered stalking issues. As one of the most recognized figures globally, she has faced multiple incidents of a similar nature throughout her career. These situations reveal the darker aspects of celebrity, as prominent artists often grapple with obsessive admirers who develop harmful fixations and delusions regarding personal relationships with the stars they idolize. This case also highlights the necessity for legal safeguards such as restraining orders, which offer celebrities a degree of protection against potentially dangerous individuals.