Sabrina Carpenter's Unwanted Visitor Won't Back Down From Restraining Order Fight

When a pop star files for a restraining order, you’d think the message would land loud and clear. Not in this case. William Applegate, the 31-year-old man arrested after showing up at Sabrina Carpenter’s home in May, is actively fighting back against her bid for permanent court protection—and his defense is, well, deeply unmoored from reality.

Carpenter obtained a temporary restraining order against Applegate earlier this month after he allegedly tried to enter her home through the front door on May 23. According to her account, he claimed to know her when questioned by security and police, despite having zero connection to the singer. He then showed up again within 24 hours of his arrest, and a third time the following day—each visit prompting police response. Carpenter was clear in her legal filings: this man is a complete stranger she’s never met or communicated with in any way.

But here’s where it gets weird. Applegate’s court response doesn’t dispute the visits or the arrest. Instead, he’s claiming the restraining order was orchestrated without Carpenter’s consent—that it was hatched by her security team and law enforcement in conjunction with her legal team as part of what he describes as a“military government program’s maligned instructions.”Yes, he’s basically arguing that Carpenter herself is a victim being used as a pawn. It’s the kind of conspiratorial reasoning that signals this situation extends well beyond a simple trespassing issue.

A hearing is scheduled for later this month, where a judge will decide whether to turn the temporary order into a permanent one. For Carpenter, what should’ve been a straightforward safety matter is now dragging through the courts because her would-be protector refuses to accept that a court is trying to protect her from him. It’s a frustrating reminder that sometimes the legal system has to litigate against people’s own delusions—and that’s exhausting for everyone involved, especially the person who just wants to feel safe at home.

What remains unclear is what’s really driving Applegate’s obsession and why he continues to insist on a connection that doesn’t exist. That question will likely shape how the judge approaches the hearing.