Jennifer Lawrence News: Man Accused Of Stalking Actress' Family Held On Bail
A Canadian national is being held on $100,000 bail in the Jefferson County, Kentucky, after being charged with the alleged stalking and harassment of Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence's family.
According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, Han Cong Zhao, a former student from the Vancouver area, is alleged to have called Lawrence's older brother Blaine 200 times from Canada.
In April, Zhao flew to Louisville and left a threatening message on Blaine Lawrence's voicemail. The same day, Zhao visited the police station in Louisville suburb Indian Hills, asking how to contact Lawrence's parents. Zhao allegedly even attempted to contact Blaine Lawrence while he was held involuntarily at a county psychiatric hospital for three weeks, according to criminal complaints.
Prosectors claimed Zhao left Blaine Lawrence the following menacing voicemail message: "I find you or you come to me. You got me really upset, when I am upset, wait and see what happens."
After his release and indictment, Zhao presented law enforcement two letter intended for the actress but addressed to "Mary," claiming Lawrence was "his Mary, referencing Biblical Mary."
Zhao targeted Jennifer Lawrence in an April 11 post; though he began by calling for "Christian conservatives" to "stand up" and "take back" America, he eventually discussed the fall Lawrence took while accepting her award.
"Well didn't J-Law fall down and bow before God's presence and highness this year at the Oscars" wrote Zhao. "I am sure y'all seen the movie Silver Linings Playbook.There's a silver linings (sic) in every cloud. Trust me."
Zhao has pleaded not guilty and has a trial scheduled for July 23. He has been ordered against contacting any members of the Lawrence family.
Brad Hume, lawyer and family friend to the Lawrences, applauded the efforts of law enforcement and judicial official, but asked for respect of the family's privacy. "This is not something they invited," Hume continued.
Lawrence, a Louisville native, won the Best Actress Oscar this year for her role in Silver Linings Playbook. Her other starring roles include Winter's Bone and The Hunger Games.
