An American tourist has been arrested for allegedly stalking Hollywood actress Emma Watson at the University of Oxford.
The star, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, is studying at the prestigious institution in the city.
She has been studying a master’s degree in creative writing there since September 2023 having previously spent an undergraduate year studying at Worcester College.
Things took an unexpected turn though last month as an American tourist, named by national reports as Chad Michael Busto, began to stalk Ms Watson.
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After travelling to Oxford and visiting the English department at the famed university, the 44-year-old was arrested on Wednesday, June 26.
Mr Busto told national reports that he flew from Boston to Heathrow on Wednesday, June 12, to visit government organisations.
He arrived in the city with £800 and just a sleeping bag before beginning to sleep in an Oxford church.
The 44-year-old told The Sun: "I visited the English department and spoke to people. I went to the main admissions centre trying to gain information.
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"I was trying to connect with Emma Watson. However, the claim was made about me because I was asking around. But it was not made by Emma herself.
“I was arrested in a square close to a Starbucks.”
Mr Busto was also arrested in September last year for allegedly breaking into a New York fashion show dressing room and yelling that he wanted to marry Ms Watson.
He has since told The Sun that his words were “taken out of context” and that he wanted to get her attention, adding that “it kind of worked in the way I wanted”.
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The American pleaded not guilty to the charges of trespass and disorderly conduct and was released without bail.
Thames Valley Police told the Oxford Mail on Friday morning that an American was detained after suspicions of stalking in Oxford.
A spokesperson for the force said: “On June 26, 2024, Thames Valley Police officers arrested a 44-year-old man from the United States of America on suspicion of stalking.
“He has been released under investigation.”
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Ms Watson was recently spotted in Oxford, pictured by the Mail Online wearing a scarf and a baseball cap back-to-front at Gail’s Bakery in Jericho.
She was seen gazing into the eyes of a man in the bakery sparking rumours of a new romance for the Harry Potter actress.
A customer told the national media outlet the couple "had a nice vibe together" and were "chatting together in the queue".
The 34-year-old actress was able to peacefully select her order as the couple were reportedly left alone despite being recognised by fellow customers inside.
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Just days later and the mystery man has now been reportedly revealed as fellow University of Oxford student Kieran Brown.
Mr Brown is believed to be working towards a PhD in 19th century literature and economics at the city’s university.
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