Before I begin, a quick note to my fellow OFWGs: Hilary Duff is an actress, singer and high-profile Hollywood dater. Ms. Duff’s career launched with the 2001 – 2004 Disney series Lizzie McGuire. Since then, meh. But there’s no question that Ms. Duff remains a celebrity, as witnessed by the fact that she has a crazed stalker. (I’m not saying you have to be a celebrity to have a crazed stalker, but it helps.) tmz.com:
Hilary Duff could get a marriage proposal any day now, but it’s coming from a scary individual who is driving all over town searching for her.
We’ve learned Bev Hills police already reached out to Hilary’s people to warn them about the man. Law enforcement sources say the ordeal started earlier this month when he hired a limo driver. We’re told he was carrying a photo of a crib he said Hilary owned, but did not have her address.
He proceeded to have his driver search aimlessly for 2 hours while he spoke about his intent to marry Hilary. When the ride ended, we’re told the driver was so concerned he called cops, who then contacted Duff’s team.
Sources close to Hilary say her security team knows who the man is and what he looks like. They’ve had issues with him in the past, but we’re told Hilary hasn’t filed a police report or sought a restraining order … yet.
Yeah, what’s the hurry? And really, what’s the point? An RO’s only good for arresting someone who violates it — and gets caught. If someone dangerous violates a restraining order, there’s a chance it’s gonna be too late. Note: stalkers are the most dangerous adversary you could ever face; they’re patient, [generally] smart, completely focused and well beyond sane.
My point: the Daily Mail photograph above and the text below clearly indicate that Ms. Duff is neither varying her routine nor packing heat — on her person — in the face of a serious threat.
Hilary Duff seemed in a great mood despite reports that a man has been stalking her in an attempt to propose to her.
The 28-year-old headed to a beauty appointment in Beverly Hills, California, on Friday in spite of concerns for her safety.
I know: Ms. Duff’s got a security team! Somewhere outside the picture frame! Which means her “close security” (should it exist) isn’t very close. Equally, if a paparazzo can find Ms. Duff, so can her crazed suitor.
But here’s the reason I’m highlighting this thank-God non-story: there is no substitute for personal defense. As in you, yourself, taking charge of your personal safety and security. That holds true whether you’re a celebrity with a “team” or an average schmo just trying to earn a crust.
That means maintaining and adjusting situational awareness, including a willingness to vary or cancel your routine should someone be actively seeking to do you harm. And, of course, carrying a gun. A firearm remains the most effective self-defense tool money can buy. Even if you have a security team.
Now we know Ms. Duff has a gun. But she should be carrying it. You know, on her person. (Not a fan of off-body carry, at all.) Yes?