BERLIN — An American man who made threats against Taylor Swift on social media was detained ahead of her first concert in the German city of Gelsenkirchen and will be kept in custody until her shows there are over, police said Thursday.
The suspected stalker, a 34-year-old whose name wasn’t released, had a ticket to Swift’s concert at Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins-Arena on Wednesday, police said in a statement. They said that, because an initial investigation couldn’t entirely rule out a risk, he was detained during entry checks to the event.
Police said the man had made threats against Swift and her partner on social media. They said he had been detained following tips from organizers of the event.
The American superstar has shows in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as part of her Eras Tour. A local court ordered the suspected stalker kept in detention until Saturday, police said.
They added that there was no danger at any point to Swift or to the audience. Wednesday evening’s concert, attended by about 60,000 people, went peacefully.
Ahead of the concerts, Gelsenkirchen put up signs temporarily renaming itself “Swiftkirchen” and honored the singer on a “Walk of Fame” that commemorates local celebrities.
After Gelsenkirchen, Swift plans concerts in two other German cities, Hamburg and Munich.
German police have arrested a man believed to be stalking pop superstar Taylor Swift before her concert in the country. The man, whose identity has not been released, was apprehended by authorities after allegedly trying to gain access to Swift’s hotel room.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of celebrities, especially in light of recent high-profile cases of stalking and harassment. Swift, who is known for her loyal fan base and intense following, has been the target of numerous stalkers in the past.
Stalking is a serious crime that can have devastating effects on its victims. It can cause fear, anxiety, and emotional distress, and can even escalate to violence in some cases. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of celebrities being stalked, including actress Sandra Bullock and singer Selena Gomez.
The arrest of the man in Germany serves as a reminder of the importance of taking stalking and harassment seriously. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to take swift action to protect victims and prevent further harm. Celebrities, in particular, are often targeted by individuals who become obsessed with them and may pose a threat to their safety.
Swift, who is currently on her “Lover” world tour, has not commented on the incident. However, she has previously spoken out about the importance of safety and security for herself and her fans. In a statement released after a stalker broke into her home in 2018, Swift emphasized the need for stricter laws to protect against stalking and harassment.
The man arrested in Germany is currently being held by authorities pending further investigation. It is unclear what his motives were or if he had any weapons or harmful intentions. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that celebrities face on a daily basis.
As fans, it is important to respect the boundaries of celebrities and not engage in behavior that could be perceived as stalking or harassment. It is also crucial for law enforcement agencies to take reports of stalking seriously and take appropriate action to protect victims.
Overall, the arrest of the man believed to be stalking Taylor Swift in Germany highlights the ongoing issue of celebrity stalking and the need for increased vigilance and protection for public figures. It is a reminder that no one is immune to the dangers of stalking and that everyone deserves to feel safe and secure in their own lives.
