EXCLUSIVE: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis says she's continually 'looking over her shoulder' days after filing restraining order against 'stalker who confronted her at book signing and claimed he is the father of her daughter'
- Giada De Laurentiis continually 'looks over her shoulder', she exclusively told DailyMailTV days after filing a temporary restraining order against a 'stalker'
- The celebrity chef said: 'Being a woman on this planet you've got to be careful especially when you are little like myself because you are a target'
- Giada had to hire a private investigator last May after receiving messages on her website from the man, who goes by 'AA', according to court docs
- In a message, he allegedly wrote: 'I want to say I am one of your biggest fans. Not only are you the most attractive woman I've ever seen but also the classiest'
- The individual allegedly showed up at Giada's book signing in LA where he 'confronted me, was shaking and sweating,' according to court docs
- The alleged stalker claims to be the father of her daughter Jade, eight, who Giada shares with her ex husband Todd Thompson
- However, the temporary restraining order case was dismissed after neither party attended a hearing
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has revealed she continually 'looks over her shoulder' out of concern for her safety after being confronted by an alleged stalker, she told DailyMailTV.
Italian-born American star Giada, 48, expressed that she feels like a 'target', with fans often invading her personal space, saying she still feels shocked when people try to take photos and approach her in restrooms.
Giada spoke as she oversaw two of booths for her Vegas restaurants - Pronto and Giada - at the Las Vegas Uncork'd festival, days after she filed a temporary restraining order against an alleged stalker, who claimed to be the father of her daughter.
In her first on camera reaction regarding her safety fears, the TV personality told DailyMailTV: 'I am always looking behind my shoulder to see what is going on. It's always at the forefront of everywhere that I go.'
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis said she continually 'looks over her shoulder' out of concern for her safety after being confronted by an alleged stalker, she revealed to DailyMailTV
The TV personality spoke as she oversaw two booths of her Las Vegas restaurants - Pronto and Giada - days after she filed to take a restraining order out against an alleged stalker, who claimed claimed to be the father of her eight year-old daughter Jade (pictured together)
The chef shares her eight-year-old daughter with ex-husband Todd Thompson. The couple divorced in 2015 (pictured together in 2014)
The Food Network host added: 'Women in general always watch their backs, men don't understand that. Being a woman on this planet you've got to be careful especially when you are little like myself because you are a target.'
Giada filed for a temporary restraining order against a man who she accused of harassing her and who claims to be the father of her daughter Jade Marie De Laurentiis-Thompson, according to court documents.
The chef shares her eight-year-old daughter with her ex-husband Todd Thompson. The two divorced in 2015.
Giada claims she had to hire a private investigator in May 2018 after receiving several postings from her website from the man, who goes by 'AA'.
In one message, the alleged stalker wrote: 'I want to say that I am one of your biggest fans. Not only are you the most attractive woman I've ever seen but also the classiest.'
Most recently, Giada claims to have received an e-mail from 'AA' on February 22, 2019, where he allegedly wrote: 'It would mean a lot to me to see her again and I think she feels the same way.
'So if you want to make G happy—let us see each other and talk.'
The individual allegedly showed up at Giada's book signing in Los Angeles where, according to court docs, he 'confronted me, was shaking and sweating and asked me why I did not cash his check. I was confused and had no idea what AA was talking about.'
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Giada claims she had to hire a private investigator after receiving several postings from her website from the man, who goes by 'AA'. Giada said in court docs: 'His statements placed me in fear for myself and my family and caused me to suffer substantial emotional distress.' But the temporary restraining order case was dismissed after neither party attended a hearing
She continues in court papers: 'Given the fact respondent continued to send messages through my website, claims to be the father of my child, showed up to confront me while working in a public place demanding to speak with me alone, it became apparent that he was stalking me.'
Giada said in court documents: 'His statements placed me in fear for myself and my family and caused me to suffer substantial emotional distress.'
However, her temporary restraining order case was dismissed after neither party attended a hearing.
The chef told DailyMailTV that she finds fame a 'little bit overwhelming' but even though her safety remains a priority, she has not considered employing bodyguards because she doesn't 'want to be that person'.
Although Giada said sometimes she can't even use the restroom without a fan trying to take a picture, she admitted: 'The privacy issue is never fun, but it's a give and take relationship so you have got to manage it well.'
But Giada hasn't hired security teams or take bodyguards with her for public outings, saying: 'I don't want to be that person until the day comes that I absolutely have to be. I take the proper precautions.'
Giada confessed she adores her media and restaurant career given its positive impact on many, but does need time away from the limelight.
The chef told DailyMailTV she finds fame a 'little bit overwhelming but even though her safety remains a priority, she has not considered employing bodyguards because she does not 'want to be that person'
'The fact we have such an impression and inspire people to eat better and learn about what good food is and ingredients is an honor, and it's an honor that they invite me into their home and make my food and that I am part of their family.
'There is nothing more rewarding than that. Yes I love it.'
'But trust me, I definitely take my down time where I don't leave my house for a little bit - just to restart myself because you can get a little bit overwhelming.'
The star also hinted that her next restaurant project could be in Japan.
'I have always been in awe of their culture, attention to detail and just the sheer beauty of what they do. And I am fascinated by them. And that is my goal someday if it comes true.
Giada spoke at the center piece of Bon Appetite's Uncork'd fest - one of the world's biggest dining affairs - The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace’s Gardens of the Gods Pool Oasis.
She served up an illustrious assortment of signature dishes alongside offering world-famous chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, Steve Martorano, Nobu Matsuhisa, Guy Savoy and more.
More than 2,000 culinary enthusiasts indulged in a one-of-a-kind experience curated by more than 50 award-winning chefs and restaurants. Throughout the night, guests enjoyed the best selections of food, wine and spirits around the iconic five-acre pool complex.
