The Saga of the Secrest Stalker

Television personality Ryan Seacrest was recently the victim of an alleged stalker, making him the second person affiliated with "American Idol" to fall victim to such an incident. Former Judge Paula Abdul was the victim of a stalker that committed suicide outside her home ironically only a days shy of one year that Seacrest became a victim. Details of the latest "American Idol" stalker are still pouring in, and "Rad and Bad Reality" will stay updated, but here's what's happened so far:


Sept. 18

Chidi Uzomah Jr, 25, is in jail on charges of assault, battery and possession of a switchblade after allegedly attacking Seacrest's security. Uzomah approached Seacrest outside of Children's Hostpial of Orange County to ask him for an autograph. But even after Seacrest gave Uzomah his autograph, he didn't leave and instead followed Seacrest to his car. The switchblade was found only after Uzomah apparently started fighting with security when they asked him to leave. He was held on $25,000 bail and later sentenced to 15 days in jail and three years probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery and possession of a switchblade.

Oct. 30

Uzomah was caught outside E! News studios with a three-inch folding knife and was handcuffed and detained by security guards for E! News before Los Angeles police officers took over.

Uzomah did not come as close to Seacrest as he did when he received the autograph because security recognized him from the previous incident and held him until LAPD arrived.

Items discovered inside Uzomah's car parked outside E! News studios included multiple maps of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, a screwdriver, towels, clothes and a spare pair of shoes, water bottles, a receipt from Jack in the Box, Q-tips, rock crystals and a blue tarp.

Seacrest said of the incident, "My sincerest thanks to the LAPD, who helped us out here at the building today."

Seacrest later received a temporary restraining order against Uzomah.

Nov. 2

Uzomah is a current member of the U.S. Army Reserve and on Nov. 2, a spokesman offered an apology to Secrest for the behavior of one of their members.

"It is disappointing to have a soldier act in that form or fashion, however, we will allow the local police to do their initial investigation, and we will chime in afterwards," Lt. Col. Nathan Banks told E! News.

Nov. 3

Uzomah pleaded not guilty on to one count of felony stalking and two misdemeanor counts of violating a court order to stay away from Seacrest following the Oct. 30 incident.

If convicted on all three new counts, he could face up to four years in prison.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Donald Kennedy also ordered Uzomah to surrender all firearms within 24 hours of his release from jail and not to harass, contact or otherwise come within 500 yards of Seacrest or his places of employment for the next three years.



What's next in the on-going saga of the Seacreast Stalker?

Uzomah is scheduled to reappear for his preliminary hearing Nov. 16 and Sescrest's attorney, Blair Berk, will request a permanent order of protection for her client at a hearing on Nov. 17.

Why should we, as reality television lovers, care?

"American Idol" is an incredibly popular reality show, with around 30.074 million viewers for just one episode during the last season. The show has produced many celebrities and entertained millions for many years now. A post like this reflects the traditional news value of audience because when anyone involved with "American Idol" is in harms way, it can directly impact not only the people actually involved in the stalking, but also the viewers of the show if a person being stalked was harmed. When anything happens involving people known in the entertainment industry, it is news. But when it happens to someone known for their involvement in a major reality show, it is certainly very important in the world of reality TV. This post also reflects timeliness because it was broken down by day in an attempt to stay on top of things and make sure everything was as accurate and up to the minute as possible. It also reflects conflict, obviously, because there is a conflict between Uzomah and Seacrest.