Shania Twain’s alleged stalker arrested at the Juno Awards

Shania Twain was in for a surprise at last Sunday’s Juno Awards. It wasn’t her induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, which was announced ahead of time, but rather the unexpected appearance of Dr. Giovanni Palumbo, Twain’s alleged stalker. According to the Toronto Sun (who else?), Palumbo had stalking charges against him withdrawn earlier this month but was ordered to stay at least 500 metres away from the midriff-baring Canadian country superstar. When a member of Shania’s people spotted Palumbo in the Juno Awards audience, police were contacted and he was arrested for breaching court orders.

At 50, Palumbo has a history with Twain that stretches from as close to home as Ontario cottage country to as far away as Europe. Previous allegations of stalking against the Ottawa doctor state that he sent letters and flowers to Twain in Switzerland and has gone as far as showing up at her Muskoka property. According to the Sun, Palumbo was previously arrested while wearing a Shania T-shirt and carrying her autobiography. Palumbo has also had his medical licence revoked and reinstated, and spent time as a mental health patient at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. Charges against the doctor were dropped this week as Twain left Ontario after the Junos, but it seems she’s still the one for him: detective Michael Jander told the Sun, “He said he just wanted to meet her.” He might as well have said, “I am your No. 1 fan.”

• Former alleged Shania stalker arrested at ACC [Toronto Sun]