10 Times Celebrities Had to Call Out Fans Horrific Actions

Published 12/08/2024, 2:07 AM EST

Some fans think their love for a celebrity gives them the right to invade personal space, but when does admiration cross the line into unacceptable behavior? Fans have forced celebrities to address moments when they overstep boundaries, whether it is taking photographs at intimate moments or going to their doorsteps. 

Some of them took to social media to remind their followers they are human beings and not just public figures. Others called out the disrespect head-on. In these cases, the stars did not withhold and set clear boundaries to remind fans that there is a difference between support and harassment.

Bad Bunny

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Bad Bunny has had his share of incidents when he had to call out fans for having crossed lines. While walking through a busy area in the Dominican Republic, the fan pushed a phone right into his face, causing Bad Bunny to respond in a way that shocked many—he threw the phone into the water. He later clarified that it was a matter of respect. 

He had no problem with fans who approached him kindly but could not tolerate how certain fans would disrupt his personal space. Another time, Bad Bunny confronted a fan who had left a child in danger while seeking to take a photo. He emphasized the child's safety as the priority. 

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Sophia Bush

Sophia Bush made headlines when she addressed a disturbing experience during her time at the Democratic National Convention. She posted a message on Instagram, expressing her discomfort after being "groped, grabbed, hugged, and shaken" by fans. While their intentions were probably well-meaning, she said an important thing: "Please get consent before touching people," reminding her followers that public figures are human beings with personal boundaries. 

She spoke about how well-meaning interactions can easily become sour without consent. When Bush spoke out, she set an example for fans to think before they act and act with respect.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber has always been outspoken about separating his personal life from the overwhelming attention received from fans. In 2016, he made a strong statement that he no longer owed fans the privilege of taking pictures with him despite his support for them. He said, "I don't owe anybody a picture," and buying his album was not more than a right to own the music itself. 

He has taken additional steps because of the pressure mounted on him by fans who even camp outside his houses. In 2021, Bieber told fans camped outside his New York City apartment to leave,  because he needed some private time to relax. He requested, "This is my space to do that. So I would appreciate it if you guys could leave."

Barry Koeghan

Irish actor Barry Keoghan has been in the spotlight since his coy response to dating speculations with Sabrina Carpenter, saying "I'm incredibly blessed" has now made headlines after deactivating his Instagram account following receiving a slew of online abuse of rumors of his split from Sabrina Carpenter. Frustrated, Keoghan took to his X (formerly Twitter), sharing how the harassment cut across personal boundaries. He revealed that his family was being harassed, and people came as far as showing up at the doors of his relatives to make real-life threats. 

He explained that the bullying was at a point where he could no longer stand in silence, especially considering that it was affecting his little son. Keoghan made it clear that while he often ignored online hate, the safety and well-being of his loved ones were non-negotiable.

Chappell Roan

Pop singer Chappell Roan called out what she called "entitled" behavior in 2023 as she shared a powerful message on TikTok, saying that just because she is famous does not mean she should give the public personal interactions, especially when it becomes uncomfortable. 

Roan spoke candidly about stalking and harassment experiences, including some fans who went as far as to track down her family's details. She took the opportunity to remind people that such actions are never acceptable, declaring, "I don't care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job. that doesn't make it okay".

Emma Watson

In 2017, Emma Watson said that her safety and privacy were more important than fan selfies. She admitted to Vanity Fair that she no longer took pictures with fans because her exact location could be tracked on posting those images online. "If someone takes a photograph of me and posts it, within two seconds they've created a marker of exactly where I am within 10 meters," Watson explained.  

Though she rarely takes pictures, Watson mentioned that she still likes communicating with her fans and, and gives them her time. She said, "I'll sit here and answer every single Harry Potter fandom question you have, but I just can't do a picture." 

Lili Reinhart

Lili Reinhart, known for playing the role of Betty Cooper on Riverdale, has had to set clear boundaries with fans when their actions have been crossing lines. One instance was when Reinhart caught two fans secretly snapping pictures of her eating lunch alone. She did not mince words, taking it all out on Twitter. "To the two girls who are repeatedly photographing me as I'm eating my lunch. I see you. You aren't slick… that's f--king rude," she tweeted. 

Lili Reinhart made it clear that just because she is a public figure, it does not mean she is an object for fans to invade her privacy, saying, "I am a human being. I am not Betty Cooper. You aren't entitled to me". This calls to say that just like anyone, she deserves her personal space.

Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke has not been shy about how interactions with fans have affected her personal life, especially after an unsettling incident that made her think twice about taking selfies with fans. In 2019, at a low point when she was experiencing a panic attack at the airport, a fan approached her and insisted on a selfie despite her obvious distress. 

She recalls telling him that she could not breathe and was not at a place to take a photo. After that, she decided to stick with autographs, thus providing fans with a little interaction while keeping her sanity safe.

Amy Schumer

In 2016, Amy Schumer caught everyone's attention when she confronted a fan who pushed his boundaries while trying to take her picture. A man came to Schumer on the street while she was walking through Greenville, South Carolina, sticking his camera in her face and not stopping despite multiple requests from her to leave her alone. 

When he refused and said, "No, it's America, and we paid for you," Schumer was done with him. She posted about the episode explaining how the act scared and disrespected her. She also expressed that she would no longer be taking photos with fans after such experiences.​

Keke Palmer

Recently, in 2022, Keke Palmer turned to social media to denounce a fan who ignored her request for privacy. In a bar, a fan asked for a picture three times in a row with Keke Palmer. Every time Keke politely said no but the fan still went ahead to film her. In a tweet, Palmer clearly stated that "No means no, even when it doesn't pertain to s--." She underlined that everyone deserves personal space and respect, in any matter.

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This moment sparked conversation on social media about the need for respect between fans and celebrities, and that no one should feel forced into uncomfortable situations. From unsolicited photos to harassment, these moments talk about the need for respect and empathy. Fans should recognize the difference between showing love and overstepping limits. 

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What is your take on celebrity fan interactions? Let us know in the comments below

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Akshaya Deeksha

37 articles

Akshaya Deeksha is an Entertainment Writer at NetflixJunkie. With her passion to explore the evolving world of entertainment and her journalistic sense, she specializes in cinematic storytelling and Hollywood developments. Her expertise in lifestyle writing allows her to connect with readers through relatable content.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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