Scarlett Johansson is facing a terrifying situation. Her stalker, Michael Joseph Branham, made a bomb threat against the Saturday Night Live studios. The threat was sent in a text message to his university. Branham said he would appear on CNN after bombing the SNL audience. This alarming message led to his arrest on Wednesday in New York City. NBC Universal and 30 Rock, where SNL is filmed, reported the threat to the police. The authorities responded quickly and arrested Branham. This incident highlights the danger of celebrity obsession. Scarlett Johansson remains committed to her work despite these threats.
Arrest and Charges
Branham’s arrest was the result of his obsessive behavior toward Scarlett Johansson. The police charged him with felony counts. He faces charges of making false reports and threatening mass harm. Branham has a tattoo of Johansson’s name on his chest, which shows his personal obsession. His actions have caused real concern for Johansson and her family. The judge set his bail at $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond. Despite his lawyer’s efforts to lower the amount, the judge refused. The defense argued Branham had been scammed by people pretending to be Scarlett Johansson. However, the judge did not believe this excuse. Judge Janet McDonnell reminded the lawyer that Branham’s bomb threat was a serious crime.
Court Issues Protection Orders
The court also took steps to protect Scarlett Johansson and her husband, Colin Jost. The judge issued orders of protection for both of them. This means Branham is legally restricted from approaching or contacting them. The defense lawyer argued that a protection order was unnecessary. They claimed that Scarlett Johansson and Jost had not witnessed the crime. However, the judge sided with the prosecution, emphasizing the danger Branham posed. This decision shows how seriously the court is taking the case.
Past Behavior and Obsession
This is not the first time Branham has shown disturbing behavior. In November 2023, he tried to approach Scarlett Johansson at her home. He claimed to have fathered one of her children. He even left letters and children’s toys outside her house. Branham’s obsession with Johansson has been ongoing for some time. He has been active on social media, frequently posting about Scarlett Johansson. He posted photos of himself in New York City in March 2023, indicating he was near her. A week earlier, he shared strange claims that the FBI was monitoring him. He said agents could hear his thoughts and control his vision. Branham’s posts often included messages of love for Scarlett Johansson, which he made public on his social media accounts.
More Disturbing Posts
Branham’s obsession deepened with even more concerning social media posts. In one post, he said, “I love you honey!!!” He also shared disturbing messages, claiming to be in a relationship with Scarlett Johansson. In 2021, Branham wrote that Scarlett Johansson had bought him a car. He referred to her as “the best woman ever” and reassured her that he had never cheated on her, despite what others might say. On his LinkedIn profile, Branham even claimed to be Scarlett Johansson’s fiancée. His behavior has continued to escalate, causing fear for her safety.
Next Steps in the Case
Branham is scheduled to appear in court again on April 8. His upcoming court date will likely provide more details about the case. This situation is a reminder of the dangers celebrities can face. It also highlights the need for stronger laws to protect them from obsessive stalkers. Fans who cross the line into dangerous behavior must face accountability. This case could set a precedent for handling similar cases involving Scarlett Johansson in the future.
