In 2009, Miley Cyrus, then just 16 years old, faced a frightening situation involving an alleged stalker named Mark McLeod. While filming The Last Song near Savannah, Georgia, McLeod made repeated attempts to approach the young star. His troubling behavior resulted in two arrests within a few months, deeply concerning both Miley’s team and her family.
Introduction
Security first detained McLeod after he was spotted lingering around the beachside movie set. Despite being warned to stay away after his initial encounter with authorities, he returned just months later, leading to his second arrest. The situation escalated so severely that Cyrus was forced to file a temporary restraining order against him, though he was never officially convicted of a crime.
A Chilling Warning to Police
McLeod’s behavior took an even darker turn during his arrest. As police officers apprehended him for the second time, he reportedly issued a chilling warning: “No one will be able to keep us apart.” This statement, uncovered in the Investigation Discovery series Hollywood Demons in the episode “Stalking the Stars,” has resurfaced, highlighting the severity of McLeod’s obsession. According to reports, McLeod genuinely believed he was romantically involved with Cyrus. He even went as far as claiming they were engaged, stating that the engagement had received the approval of her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. This delusion deeply unsettled those around Miley at the time.
Family Insights Into McLeod’s Behavior
In the documentary, McLeod’s sister, Larilyn Adair, shared insights into his mental state during that disturbing period. She revealed that her brother had convinced himself he was communicating directly with Cyrus through an online fan chatroom. Although it is highly unlikely that he was ever truly in contact with her, McLeod fully believed the relationship was real. Adair recalled how McLeod went searching for Cyrus late at night, knocking on doors near the set, trying to discover where she was staying. After being arrested, he was charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice, and stalking.
Adair explained:
“He was stubborn. Once he had an idea in his head, nobody could change his mind. He really thought Miley and he shared a connection, even from just a look across a crowded concert.”
Early Signs of Trouble
Looking back, Adair admitted she hadn’t noticed any serious red flags initially. However, concerns grew when McLeod began talking about marrying the pop star. His fixation stemmed partly from attending her concerts, where he claimed to have made eye contact with Miley, fueling his delusions. On one occasion, he allegedly attempted to board her tour bus after a show but was stopped by security. His persistence didn’t end there. McLeod also attended a book signing event in New York, where he proposed to Cyrus. Although she handled the situation with grace — thanking him for the flowers and signing his book — McLeod misinterpreted her politeness as encouragement.
An Escalating Obsession
According to Canadian culture writer Scaachi Koul, McLeod even told police that he had seen Cyrus from his hotel balcony, reinforcing his belief that their connection was destined. He ominously promised arresting officers that they would eventually receive invitations to their “wedding.”
These unsettling declarations painted a clear picture of a man whose obsession had spiraled dangerously out of control.
Conclusion
Although Mark McLeod was never convicted, his repeated attempts to approach Miley Cyrus left a lasting impact on her sense of safety. His disturbing actions serve as a reminder of the challenges and dangers young celebrities face when dealing with obsessive fans.
Today, with Cyrus now 32 years old and a seasoned performer, incidents like these highlight the importance of strong security and mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.
