Man Arrested For Bomb Threat To SNL Linked To Scarlett Johansson!

Scarlett Johansson’s alleged stalker, Michael Joseph Branham, has been arrested after making threatening remarks about bombing the Saturday Night Live (SNL) studio. The 48-year-old man, who reportedly harbors a personal obsession with Scarlett Johansson, sent text messages warning of a bomb attack, leading to his arrest in Manhattan.

The Threatening Message

Branham, who has a tattoo of “Scarlett” with a heart on his torso, allegedly sent a disturbing message claiming, “THE NEXT TIME YOU HERE FROM ME I WILL BE ON CNN FOR EXPLODING A BOMB IN SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE AUDIENCE.” This message was reported to authorities by a global security investigator for NBC Universal, prompting an investigation by the Midtown North Precinct.

The bomb threat is believed to be linked to Branham’s obsession with Scarlett Johansson who is married to SNL co-host Colin Jost. Branham was arrested in New York City, facing felony charges, including false reporting and making a threat of mass harm.

Previous Obsession and Online Behavior

Branham has a history of delusional behavior, including making bizarre posts on X (formerly Twitter) where he claimed Johansson was his fiancée. In one post from November 2023, he wrote, “Don’t worry about anything #SCARLETTINGRIDJOHANSSON I still have not cheated on you no matter what the brain interface people tell you.” His online activity has shown a pattern of obsession, including claiming that Johansson had bought him a car.

Despite these troubling signs, Branham also made strange claims about his connection with Johansson, stating he had fathered one of her children. His erratic behavior had been a cause for concern for Johansson and her family for some time.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

During his arraignment, Branham appeared in Manhattan criminal court facing serious felony charges. His bail was set at $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond. The court also granted orders of protection to both Johansson and her husband, Colin Jost, although Branham’s lawyer requested a lowered bail, arguing that Branham had been the victim of a scam. The lawyer suggested that someone might have impersonated Johansson to deceive Branham.

Judge Janet McDonnell, however, was unsympathetic to the defense’s argument. “We’re here because he threatened to bomb Saturday Night Live, which is a violent bail-qualifying offense,” she stated, dismissing the request for a lowered bail. The judge also granted the protective orders, ensuring Johansson and Jost’s safety.

Past Attempts to Secure Protection

This is not the first time Johansson has dealt with Branham’s pressure She had previously attempted to obtain a restraining order against him in 2023 after he showed up at her home. Johansson’s legal team claimed Branham had made increasingly bizarre assertions about their relationship, including claiming to be the father of one of her children. However, her restraining order request was dismissed in April 2024 due to procedural issues, as reported by The Blast.

The arrest of Michael Joseph Branham highlights the ongoing risks faced by celebrities dealing with obsessive fans. Johansson’s case serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining privacy and safety in an increasingly connected world. As the legal process unfolds, the protection of Johansson and her family remains a top priority.