The Associated Press

Armed guards, tall fences and the threat of prosecution aren’t always enough to deter an overzealous fan or celebrity stalker.

For decades, stalkers have presented musicians, actors and even reality television personalities with a persistent, and potentially dangerous, downside to their fame. The unwanted attention ranges from unsolicited love letters and social media messages to kidnapping plots and home break-ins.

Madonna, Steven Spielberg, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Halle Berry, Paris Hilton and many other stars have had to contend with stalkers who have threatened their safety and required the intervention of police and prosecutors.

Here’s a photographic look at some of the stars who have been stalked, and how they and the legal system have dealt with those who have gotten too close for comfort.

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