Florida man accused of stalking Lana Del Rey says he ‘cares for her’
A Florida man is denying he stalked singer Lana Del Rey outside a concert in Orlando this weekend, but willingly acknowledged they don’t know each other, according to reports.
Michael Hunt, 43, of Riverview, was arrested outside the Amway Center Friday, where Del Rey held a concert, according to Orlando police. He had two tickets to the concert and a knife.
ARRESTED: Michael Hunt, for aggravated stalking & attempted kidnapping w/a weapon.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 3, 2018
After receiving a tip we deemed a credible threat, OPD got to him before he could get near singer Lana Del Rey last night at her show at Amway Center. pic.twitter.com/twVrOSxNqF
After receiving a tip about Hunt, police found him just a block away from the venue and he made no contact with Del Rey.
Hunt was arrested on charges of aggravated stalking and attempted kidnapping with a weapon, according to Orlando police.
OPD Media release on arrest of Michael Hunt, 43, who stalked, made threats against singer Lana Del Rey.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 4, 2018
Working off a tip,OPD Officers were able to stop Hunt, who was armed with a knife, before he could get to the Amway Center. pic.twitter.com/mOsfGEwJIO
In a first appearance court hearing Sunday, a judge did not find probable cause to uphold the attempted kidnapping charge, according to ClickOrlando.com. But when the judge offered to appoint an attorney for Hunt, he said he didn’t want one.
“I don't speak anything but the truth, sir, so there's nothing that can be held against me 'cause it'll be nothing but the truth,” Hunt told the judge, ClickOrlando.com reported.
Hunt also reportedly told the judge he took an Uber from Tampa to Orlando, bringing along paintings that he planned to give the singer, according to Spectrum Bay News 9. He said he even posted about the plan to bring paintings on Facebook.
Hunt also told the judge Del Rey doesn’t know him, and questioned how stalking was a charge since he, “didn’t say anything ‘derogatory or mean,’” according to ClickOrlando.com.
“Did I want to see her? Yes, I admitted that to you. Do I care for her? Yes. Do I know her? No, I only know her from her songs,” Hunt said Sunday.
The state attorney at the hearing read some of Hunt’s Facebook posts about Del Rey, according to Bay News 9, including one from Jan. 29: “My queen will be here on February 2nd, I’m sorry baby we had to put ourselves through this, I’m so glad we’re coming home.”
Hunt shook his head and snickered in court while the posts were read but said he did not have plans to harm Del Rey, Bay News 9 reported.
Hunt is being held without bond at the Orange County jail.
According to ABC Action News, Hunt has been arrested in Hillsborough County 13 times. He also has a criminal history of drug charges and violent crimes that includes more than 60 felony convictions.
Sara Nealeigh: 941-745-7081, @saranealeigh
This story was originally published February 5, 2018 at 7:58 AM with the headline "Florida man accused of stalking Lana Del Rey says he ‘cares for her’."