Drew Barrymore Just Had the Scariest Encounter With a Stalker & We’re Just Glad She’s Safe

As one of Hollywood’s favorite actresses and talk show hosts, Drew Barrymore is one of the industry’s most loved sweethearts. But, at a specific moment this week, that might’ve not been a good thing. As it turns out, Barrymore was ambushed by a stalker on Monday night while talking at the 92nd Street Y.

A video of the moment, which has now gone viral on social media, showed her stalker, who identified himself as Chad Michael Busto, startling her by calling out her name and approaching her onstage.

“Oh my God, yes? Hi!” Barrymore responded to Busto’s scream, per Variety. “I’m Chad Michael Busto, you know who I am,” he said as he approached the stage. “I need to see you at some point while I’m here in New York.”

As he spoke, security from the venue intervened while Barrymore’s fellow speaker, singer Renée Rapp, escorted her offstage.

According to the Daily Beast, Busto was not arrested that night but has had many arrests over the years. Most recently, his social media presence revealed an obsession with Amber Heard.

On social media, fans are sending their love to Barrymore as they react to the terrifying moment. “I honestly have no words except this is scary beyond belief…,” wrote one user on X (formerly known as Twitter). “It must suck so much to be famous and having to be on the lookout for weirdos like these,” wrote another user.