Drew Barrymore is the Hollywood sweetheart who underwent a resurgence of sorts after her tumultuous history in show business. Drew became an overnight star at seven for her role in one of the highest-grossing Hollywood classics, ET.
But the intense limelight on a child amidst a dysfunctional family only led Drew to fall into the darkest pit of being famous. She was exposed to late-night parties, alcohol, and drugs with little to no supervision.
By the time she turned a teenager, she was addicted and was often admitted to rehabilitation centers. Meanwhile, her acting career wasn’t gaining much traction, and she was reduced to just a child actor, fading into obscurity.
And rising from the ashes of her struggling past, Drew decided to clean up her act and start afresh. She secured good roles, given her acting skills, innocent visuals, and girl-next-door vibes.
After a few hit films, Drew became the most reliable rom-com queen in the 90s and early 2000s. And she managed to break out of this stereotype by starring as one of the badass spies in the Charlie’s Angels franchise.
People loved Drew 2.0, who inspired many struggling to get their lives together. Her determination was commendable; she used her platform to promote healthy living and positivity. And she pulled through to this commitment by launching her talk show, “The Drew Barrymore Show,” in 2020 when people desperately needed wholesome vibes amidst the dreadful pandemic.
The show became an instant hit, with people showering praises for Drew’s empathy, understanding, calmness, cheerfulness, and stellar interviewing skills. The show’s popularity grew exponentially in just a few years, while Drew became a household name again.
Naturally, every good thing has a negative aspect lurking in its shadow. Drew’s lovable personality also got her attention from Creeps. On August 22, 2023, Drew Barrymore was in conversation with singer and actress Reneé Rapp at New York City’s 92nd Street Y. Several people gathered at the cultural and community center to see Drew Barrymore live. And while the two women were in the middle of the conversation, a man walked up to the front of the stage addressing Barrymore. The security intervened immediately, and both actresses were escorted inside safely. The man was identified as Chad Michael Busto.
Who Is Chad Michael Busto?
Chad Michael Busto was born in San Diego, California, on June 15, 1986. The 37-year-old man has since resided in Brooklyn.
However, his record is infested with several misdemeanors and criminal charges. After the clip with Drew Barrymore went viral, several other victims came forwards, narrating their creepy experiences with Busto.
One X user @AmberMera007 posted an account of Busto–
“While Chad Michael Busto has cut down on bothering me, I’ve noticed he has escalated. He mostly use to just tweet at someone excessively. Sometimes DM. and travel to where some of his favorite people would be. He’s never tried to go at them in public before like this.”
Another user Laci Felker posted a complete thread about Busto’s several cases–
“This man… I’ve dealt with this guy before and he thoroughly freaked me out I’m glad that Drew Barrymore is okay. Chad Michael Busto has been arrested multiple times and has filed several cases.”
“May 2021 – Busto v. United States This is where he challenged “all punishment in America because of Fraud and Predication upon deception” and stated that he was in “every prison in America and on Earth…”
“Basically, he alleged “fraudulence of identity” and supported this by saying that because of our language’s ability to deny reality, we’ve been confused throughout history and wanted there to be a meeting of the President and VP in Texas ahead of the 2024 election.”
“Again, this case was dismissed but I loved the way you could tell that the judge was wondering why this was happening in the first place lol.”
“There was also Busto v. Google in April 2021 but, once again, it was dismissed because it was frivolous and incoherent. He claimed that he was the first person in American history to claim An Infinite Monetary Net Worth on Federal Documents and “deserve(s) to have a webpage with that listed.” NOW, I worked at the magazine in September 2021, and he started calling around that time or maybe in/around October.”
“His claim then was that he had a case going that would make every citizen in the U.S. the president. He said that Vice President Kamala Harris even mentioned his work and that it was going to be a Sure Thing, and he wanted people to know about it,”
“Now, I understand that there is a very good chance that he had called other magazines in the area and told them the same thing, but I do wonder if he called and emailed them as much as he did our magazine.”
“I believe it’s clear he needs help, and I even asked my teacher why the court couldn’t intervene, but that’s another topic. It’s scary to know that he was able to get into this show and then get so close to Drew and Renée, but I’m so happy to know that they’re safe.”
In one of the many such instances, Busto was also accused of disorderly conduct and indecent exposure. He started talking to a couple of minor girls who thought of him as some homeless guy.
The two students aged 12 and 15 from Daniel Education Center were on their way to school when Busto approached them on Manchester Expressway. He proceeded to question the girls about Bible and then insinuated talks of sexual acts with them. Creeped out by the stranger, the two girls escaped, and Busto was later charged with enticing children for indecent purposes.
He also used various fake accounts to stalk Amber Heard.
What Did Chad Michael Busto Do?
Drew Barrymore and actress Reneé Rapp were in the middle of a conversation in front of a live audience. Out of nowhere, a voice caught Drew’s attention; who was heard saying, “You know who I am; I need to see you at some point while you’re in New York.”
At first, Drew couldn’t make out where the voice was coming from due to the darkness on the audience’s side. She handled the situation like a boss, still calm, as she replied, “Oh my God, yes, hi!” in her usual cheerful voice.
But in a shocking revelation, she saw a man approaching the front of the stage. The security intervened immediately and stopped the man from taking any further steps.
The two actresses were taken backstage while the man, now identified as Chad Michael Busto, was arrested.
Here are more unnerving incidents of Busto’s creepiness–
What is your take on this shocking incident? Do you think Chad’s problematic behavior should have met with harsher punishment?
Do you think he only stalks women as some form of “incel-type” personal vendetta?
Let us know in the comments section below.
