Sabrina Carpenter, the 24-year-old singer and actress, has lodged an application for a restraining order against an alleged stalker, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles. The case has reignited debates about the adequacy of US stalking laws, with advocates pointing to the UK’s more comprehensive legislation as a potential model for reform.
Carpenter, known for roles in "Girl Meets World" and her chart-topping single "Nonsense," alleges a pattern of harassment that escalated over recent months. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, is accused of sending hundreds of threatening messages and making unauthorised visits to her property. The singer’s legal team is seeking a protective order to prevent further contact.
This is the latest in a string of high-profile stalking cases involving celebrities, from Lady Gaga to Megan Thee Stallion, highlighting a systemic failure to protect victims. In the UK, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the Stalking Protection Act 2019 offer stronger protections. The latter provides for stalking protection orders, which can place restrictions on suspects before conviction, including bans on contacting the victim or entering certain areas. Violating these orders can result in up to five years in prison.
By contrast, US laws are a patchwork. California, where Carpenter filed her order, has a restraining order system that requires victims to repeatedly prove a credible threat. Critics argue this places an unfair burden on victims, especially those without the resources of a celebrity. The US lacks a federal stalking law with preventive measures akin to the UK’s.
Law professor Jane Cross of the University of California told The Guardian: "The UK approach focuses on early intervention. Here, the system often requires victims to wait until they are seriously harmed before getting meaningful protection. That’s a failure."
Carpenter’s case could shift the conversation. Her celebrity status brings media scrutiny, but advocates hope it also forces lawmakers to act. Similar cases have sparked calls for change before. In 2020, after the murder of actress Naya Rivera, her ex-husband’s history of stalking was scrutinised. Still, little changed.
For families of stalking victims, the wait is painful. Over 1.5 million people are stalked annually in the US, but fewer than 10% of cases lead to charges. Mental health costs are high: anxiety, insomnia, and for some, lost careers.
Carpenter’s team has declined to comment on whether she will use her platform to lobby for reform. But as the hearing approaches next month, advocates are watching closely. The question is whether Hollywood’s pain will finally push policy over the line.
In the mean time, the singer continues to tour and release music. Her recent album, "Emails I Can’t Send," deals with themes of vulnerability and control. For fans, the irony is bitter.
