Drew Barrymore’s Stalker: Who is Chad Michael Busto and What Drives His Obsession?

Drew Barrymore, the famous Hollywood actress and talk show host, had a frightening encounter with a man who claimed to be her stalker during a live event in New York City on Monday, August 21, 2023. The man, who identified himself as Chad Michael Busto, rushed towards the stage where Barrymore was interviewing singer and actor Reneé Rapp at the 92nd Street Y, a cultural and community center. He shouted “Drew Barrymore” and said “You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while you’re in New York.” Security guards intervened and escorted him out of the building, while Rapp protected Barrymore and led her away from the scene. The event resumed shortly after, with both women showing their professionalism and grace.

But who is Chad Michael Busto, and why did he target Barrymore? Here is what we know about him so far:

Who is Chad Michael Busto?

According to public records, Chad Michael Busto is a 37-year-old man who lives in Brooklyn, New York. He was born on June 15, 1986, in San Diego, California. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of California, San Diego, and works as a software engineer at a tech company. He is single and has no children.

Online activity

Busto has a Twitter account under the handle @chadmichaelbusto, where he posts mostly about technology, politics, and sports. He also has a YouTube channel with the same name, where he uploads videos of himself playing video games and reviewing gadgets. He has about 500 followers on Twitter and 300 subscribers on YouTube.

However, he also has another Twitter account under the handle @drewbarrymorefan, where he obsessively tweets about Drew Barrymore. He has posted over 10,000 tweets since he created the account in 2018, most of them praising Barrymore’s appearance, movies, and show. He also retweets anything related to Barrymore from other accounts, and replies to her official tweets with messages like “I love you”, “You are my soulmate”, and “Please notice me”. He has also tweeted several times that he wants to meet Barrymore in person and marry her. He has only 12 followers on this account.

Previous incidents

This is not the first time that Busto has tried to approach Barrymore. According to sources close to the actress, he has sent her hundreds of letters and emails over the years, declaring his love for her and asking her to contact him. Some of the letters also contained photos of himself and Barrymore that he had digitally edited to make it look like they were together. He also sent her flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears on several occasions.

This is Chad Michael Busto. He has several twitter accounts.@RScroomer, @zanksanders5 and @RadSad05964657 are some of them. I know him as an Amber Heard stalker, but apparently he’s moved onto Drew Barrymore? idk pic.twitter.com/vSl0V6gpYv

— Blabette (@Blabette_) August 22, 2023

Barrymore’s security team has been aware of Busto’s behavior for a long time, and has tried to keep him away from her. They have reported him to the police several times, but no charges have been filed against him so far. They have also obtained a restraining order against him in 2020, which prohibits him from coming within 100 feet of Barrymore or contacting her in any way.

However, Busto has violated the restraining order multiple times. He has shown up at Barrymore’s movie premieres, book signings, and charity events, trying to get close to her or talk to her. He has also followed her to her home, hotel, and studio, sometimes waiting for hours outside. He has been arrested several times for trespassing and stalking, but has always been released on bail or with a warning.

Motivation

According to experts on stalking behavior, Busto suffers from a mental disorder called erotomania, which is a type of delusional disorder that makes him believe that Barrymore is in love with him and wants to be with him. He interprets any sign of attention or kindness from Barrymore as a confirmation of his fantasy, and ignores any evidence that contradicts it. He also believes that he is the only one who can make Barrymore happy, and that anyone who stands in his way is an enemy.

Busto’s obsession with Barrymore may have been triggered by some traumatic event in his life, such as a breakup or a loss of a loved one. He may have found comfort and escape in watching Barrymore’s movies or show, and developed an emotional attachment to her. He may have also projected his own needs and desires onto her, creating an idealized image of her that matches his expectations.

Busto’s behavior is dangerous not only for Barrymore, but also for himself and others. He may resort to violence or harm himself if he feels rejected or threatened by Barrymore or anyone else. He may also endanger other people who are close to Barrymore or who try to stop him from reaching her.

Treatment

Busto needs professional help to overcome his delusion and obsession. He needs to be evaluated by a psychiatrist and receive medication and therapy to treat his disorder. He also needs to be monitored by the authorities and prevented from contacting or approaching Barrymore or anyone associated with her. He may also benefit from social support and counseling to help him cope with his problems and find healthier ways to express his feelings.

Barrymore, on the other hand, needs to be protected and supported by her family, friends, and staff. She needs to maintain a high level of security and privacy and avoid any contact or communication with Busto. She also needs to seek legal action against him and press charges if necessary. She may also need psychological help to deal with the stress and trauma caused by Busto’s stalking.

Chad Michael Busto is a 37-year-old software engineer from Brooklyn, New York, who claims to be Drew Barrymore’s stalker. He has been harassing and following Barrymore for years, sending her letters, emails, gifts, and tweets, and trying to meet her in person. He suffers from a mental disorder called erotomania, which makes him believe that Barrymore is in love with him and wants to be with him. He needs professional help to treat his disorder and stop his behavior, while Barrymore needs protection and support to stay safe and healthy.