Stalker Scares Famed Gymnast Olivia Dunne
Is stardom too high a price to pay?
Double-tap this tale of a social media sensation, Olivia Dunne (21), who had to temporarily ditch attending classes in person at Louisiana State University. The reason? A creeper had threatened to blast her on campus in Baton Rouge.
Holding her breath, the gymnast, with over 4.4 million Instagram followers, shared her shock during an interview with NJ Advance Media. "I was petrified due to a menacing message about a class I was scheduled for."
The chart-topping US female college athlete explained, "It was a blatant threat. It seemed as though he knew where I was, the class I was attending. That's when it hit me—I'd better prioritize safety over fear."
"I don't wish to reveal my daily routine or whereabouts to others," she had previously confessed to Elle.com.
As she continued to share, the blonde had grown accustomed to receiving odd messages from strangers due to her large social media fanbase. But a threatening note of this nature was a first for her.
In accordance with Louisiana State University Police reports, Dunne was targeted on Instagram as early as December 2021.
Upon investigating her case and suspending her account, LSU police failed to formulate any arrests, according to the Mail source.
Resurfacing in February 2022, creepy incident number two sent shivers down her spine. Her gymnastics coach, Jay Clark, had to summon campus police once more when an unidentified pervert lurked within the team's training hall, observing his competitors.
Surveillance footage captured several lurkers spying around the building before the unidentified man ventured into the premises.
The "Today Show" granted the TikTok and Instagram queen a platform to discuss her ordeals in 2022, where she had more confrontations with peculiar individuals. "Certainly, there are some nutjobs who make an appearance now and then, which makes me feel a bit apprehensive," she shockingly revealed.
"I honestly appreciate interacting with fans who admire my work. So, I try to acknowledge them when out—in public, that is. However, 2022 was insanely wild."
Background: Dunne's reputation exploded after swarms of male fans flocked to the Tigers' season-opening bout against Utah University. In response, the university beefed up securities for her gymnastics team.
Over on Twitter, the vivacious blonde urged her followers to "be mindful of fellow gymnasts and the overall gymnastics community," as they're merely carrying on with their pursuits.
Famed gymnast, Olivia Dunne, who boasts a gigantic following on Instagram and TikTok, frequently shares her athletic escapades and gymnastics workouts from her home gym in Louisiana. Despite the haunting episode, she remains committed to her passions and inspires her fans through digital means. Following the incident, she opted for virtual classes to steer clear of more unwanted attention and potential hazards. Later, she opted to prioritize her content creation on social media, balancing fitness and fun in Louisiana.
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Enrichment Insight: When dealing with stalking threats, it's crucial to notify local law enforcement and maintain clear communication. In Olivia Dunne's case, the university stepped in by beefing up security for the gymnastics team. Furthermore, social media platforms often have respective policies where users can report such concerns to ensure user safety.
