Fleetwood Mac Legend Lindsey Buckingham Targeted in Disturbing Assault
Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, the iconic 76-year-old musician, was reportedly attacked by a woman described as a stalking suspect in Santa Monica on Wednesday morning. According to authorities, the assailant threw an unknown substance at the two-time Grammy winner before fleeing the scene. Buckingham, who joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and was born in California in 1949, was fortunately not injured in the incident.
Details of the Santa Monica Incident
The attack occurred as Buckingham was heading to an appointment. Reports indicate that the woman, who is known to the guitarist, discovered the time and location of his schedule and showed up at the site. Authorities have confirmed that she is considered a stalking suspect, and an arrest is expected soon. This is allegedly not the first confrontation between Buckingham and this individual, highlighting an ongoing pattern of harassment.
History of Stalking and Previous Legal Actions
Buckingham had previously addressed similar incidents in 2024, when he obtained a restraining order against a woman named Michelle, aged 52 at the time. He claimed that Michelle had made him feel his life was in danger and had harassed his family. The harassment reportedly began in 2021, when Michelle found the phone number of Buckingham's wife, Kristen Messner, and repeatedly called her.
Michelle was accused of sending "long-drawn-out texts" posing as Buckingham's daughter and issuing threats to kill him and his family. She also allegedly blamed him for facial deformities she suffered as a child and demanded money. Buckingham stated, "I do not know [Michelle] and I am not her father." Police became involved in 2022, instructing Michelle to cease contact, but the harassment persisted.
Escalation to a Restraining Order
In 2024, Michelle resurfaced, with Buckingham and his wife receiving a picture collage on their mailbox featuring photos of his face combined with hers. She also showed up at one of his Los Angeles homes. The situation escalated in November of that year when Buckingham was awakened by nearly a dozen police officers, handcuffed, and asked to leave his house due to a fake 911 call. The call falsely reported that his son, William, was in the house and wanted to harm himself, with claims of gunshots.
After police realized the call was fraudulent, Buckingham was uncuffed, and it was traced back to Michelle's phone. He later said, "I now know that the 911 call was traced to [Michelle's] phone and was the latest in an unabated pattern of harassment and threatening acts against my family and me." A temporary restraining order was granted, requiring Michelle to stay 100 yards away from Buckingham, his wife, and his son.
Current Investigation and Safety Concerns
The recent attack in Santa Monica underscores the ongoing safety concerns for Buckingham. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and it is expected that the suspect will be apprehended shortly. This case highlights the serious risks associated with stalking, particularly for public figures like Buckingham, who has faced persistent threats over several years.
Buckingham's experience serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust legal protections and vigilant law enforcement in stalking cases. As the investigation continues, fans and the public await further updates on his safety and the outcome of this alarming situation.
