Journal Published Online: 01 January 1991
Volume 36, Issue 1

Threatening and Otherwise Inappropriate Letters to Hollywood Celebrities

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

In this paper, the authors examine the characteristics of threatening and otherwise inappropriate letters sent to Hollywood celebrities. Such communications, known colloquially as “nut mail,” “hate mail,” obscene letters, and threat letters, are received by the famous in enormous volume. We studied approximately 1800 such letters to entertainment celebrities from 214 subjects, who averaged 8 letters apiece. We quote excerpts from these letters, describe objects enclosed with them, and provide quantitative data on such variables as the form, appearance, volume, and duration of such letters; the subject's perceived relationship to the celebrity; the thematic content of the letters; and the messages and threats they communicate. Comparisons between 107 subjects who pursued encounters with the celebrities and 107 who did not revealed 15 factors associated with such pursuit. Contrary to expectation, the presence or absence of threats was not associated with pursuit behavior.

Author Information

Dietz, PE
Threat Assessment Group, Inc., Newport Beach, CA
Matthews, DB
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
Van Duyne, C
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, CA
Martell, DA
Forensic Neuropsychology Laboratory, Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center, New York, NY
Parry, CDH
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
Stewart, T
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Warren, J
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Crowder, JD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
Pages: 25
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS13019J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13019J