Celeb Stalker Surprises Judges and Lawyers With Weird Courtroom Behavior

A man charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark disrupts court proceedings, leaving judges and prosecutors grappling with his erratic behavior.

At a Glance

  • Michael Lewis, 55, from Texas, was arrested for stalking and harassing WNBA player Caitlin Clark
  • Lewis caused chaos during his court appearance, contradictorily pleading guilty and claiming innocence
  • The court set bail at $50,000 and ordered Lewis to have no contact with Clark
  • Clark reported feeling unsafe and altered her public appearances due to Lewis’s threats
  • The case highlights the challenges faced by high-profile athletes dealing with stalkers

Stalking Charges and Arrest

Michael Lewis, a 55-year-old man from Denton, Texas, faces serious legal consequences after being charged with stalking WNBA star Caitlin Clark. Lewis was apprehended in Indianapolis following allegations of sending threatening and sexually explicit messages to the basketball player. The arrest came after Clark reported feeling terrorized and fearful of potential sexual battery, prompting her to alter her public appearances for safety reasons.

Prosecutors revealed that Lewis’s actions went beyond mere online harassment. He allegedly sent messages indicating he was driving around Clark’s residence and included disturbing elements of sexual violence. Despite police warnings, Lewis persisted in messaging Clark, escalating the situation to a point where law enforcement intervention became necessary.

Chaotic Court Proceedings

The initial court hearing for Lewis turned into a spectacle of disruption and confusion. Upon appearing before Judge Angela Davis, Lewis exhibited erratic behavior, making contradictory statements and outbursts that left the court struggling to maintain order. His actions prompted a stern admonition from Judge Davis, who attempted to assert control over the proceedings.

“You have a right to remain silent, and I expect you to exercise that on me,” Judge Angela Davis said – and it fell on deaf ears.

Lewis’s unpredictable conduct continued as he vacillated between declaring his guilt and proclaiming his innocence. At one point, he exclaimed, “guilty as charged,” only to later assert,

Given the gravity of the charges and Lewis’s disruptive behavior, the court took measures to ensure proper legal representation and to protect Caitlin Clark’s safety. Judge Davis assigned Lewis a public defender after he claimed financial inability to hire an attorney, stating he lived in his vehicle. A not guilty plea was entered on Lewis’s behalf, despite his earlier admission of guilt.

“It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don’t,” Marion county prosecutor Ryan Mears said.

The court set Lewis’s bail at $50,000, which he surprisingly refused to post, expressing a desire to remain in custody. Additionally, the judge issued a no-contact order, prohibiting Lewis from attempting to communicate with Clark or approaching locations associated with her. These measures aim to provide a layer of protection for Clark as the legal process unfolds.