Sabrina Carpenter Granted Five-Year Restraining Order After Disturbing Stalking Ordeal

17 June 2026

Sabrina Carpenter has been granted a five-year restraining order against a man she says repeatedly attempted to gain access to her home, bringing an unsettling chapter in the singer's life into the public spotlight. The court decision follows months of alleged stalking behavior that left the pop star fearful for her safety and the safety of members of her family.

According to court filings and testimony presented during the hearing, the restraining order was issued against 31-year-old William Applegate, who allegedly appeared at Carpenter's Los Angeles residence numerous times over several weeks. The order requires him to remain at least 100 yards away from Carpenter, her sister Sarah Carpenter, and Sarah's partner, who reportedly live with the singer. It also prohibits him from contacting them and from possessing firearms.

The case has drawn widespread attention because of the alarming details that emerged during court proceedings. Carpenter alleged that Applegate repeatedly appeared near her home and eventually reached her front door after entering through a neighboring property. In one incident, authorities said he allegedly struck a security guard before being arrested. Despite that encounter, he reportedly returned to the area days later, further escalating concerns about his behavior.

Carpenter described the situation as one of the most disturbing invasions of her personal safety and privacy she had ever experienced. Legal documents indicated that she viewed the pattern of behavior as increasingly threatening, particularly because the alleged visits continued even after law enforcement became involved.

During the hearing, Applegate represented himself and made a series of unusual claims. Reports indicate that he told the court he believed he and Carpenter were connected through a classified government or military program and that they needed to be together for reasons related to global security. He also reportedly insisted that the singer wanted him at her residence despite Carpenter stating she had never met him and had no relationship with him whatsoever.

The hearing offered a rare glimpse into the security concerns that many high-profile entertainers face. While fans often see the glamorous side of celebrity life, public figures frequently deal with threats, unwanted attention, and obsessive behavior from strangers. In recent years, several musicians, actors, and social media personalities have spoken openly about the emotional toll that stalking can take on their daily lives.

Carpenter's attorney argued that the singer had legitimate reasons to fear for her safety and emphasized that the alleged behavior had caused significant emotional distress. The judge ultimately agreed that legal protection was warranted and issued the long-term restraining order. During the proceedings, the judge reportedly acknowledged Applegate's beliefs while making it clear that compliance with the court's order was mandatory regardless of his personal views.

The singer herself did not ultimately testify during the hearing, although she had been prepared to appear remotely if necessary. The court instead relied on evidence, legal filings, and testimony presented by both sides before reaching its decision.

For Carpenter, the ruling represents an important step toward restoring a sense of security after months of uncertainty. The Grammy-winning performer has enjoyed enormous success in recent years, becoming one of pop music's most recognizable stars through hit songs, sold-out performances, and a rapidly growing global fan base. Yet the case serves as a reminder that fame can sometimes bring serious personal challenges alongside professional achievements.

As the restraining order takes effect, authorities continue investigating aspects of the case. While reports indicate that criminal charges had not yet been filed at the time of the hearing, officials confirmed that a criminal investigation remains ongoing. For now, the court's decision provides Carpenter and her family with additional legal protections as they move forward from an experience that brought significant concern and emotional strain.