Aaaand this is why we can’t have nice things. At the Walking Dead fan convention Walker Stalker Con in New Jersey this weekend, a fan took her photo op with Norman Reedus a little too far.
The unnamed woman had a photo op with both Reedus and Michael Rooker, Reedus’ on-screen brother Merle. When she approached them for the photo, she told Reedus that she likes to pretend that she’s married to him. A little overboard, but not outside the realm of fan possibility, right? Then, after the photo was taken, she was apparently so overcome with emotion that she turned and bit him, prompting Rooker to exclaim “What the f**k was that?!”
She was immediately escorted out of the con by security, banned from Walker Stalker Con, and lost her other photo ops. She apparently apologized by posting this photo on her Instagram:
But if ever there was a case of “too little, too late” it’s this. Thankfully, Reedus – who’s always been really great with fans – had a sense of humor about it, posting the image at the top of this post on his own Instagram. However, it sucks when fans can’t control themselves around the stars they love, ruining the experience not only for the celebrity, but for other fans who may have to deal with the repercussions of their actions. Reedus is apparently not pressing charges, and thankfully does not seem to have been too badly injured.
No word yet on whether or not Reedus has “turned.”
A Geek Public Service Announcement: Celebrities are people, y’all. Just because you think you know them from TV or film doesn’t mean you actually do. You don’t get to lay a hand (or anything else) on them without permission or warning, nor do you get to approach them with any more familiarity than you would approach a stranger on the street. Control yourselves, fellow fans. Don’t make geekdom look bad.
(via Blastr and Undead Walking)
