David Spade recently shared a scary experience about being followed home by professional autograph seekers after a comedy show in Los Angeles. The comedian revealed this incident on the latest episode of his Fly on the Wall podcast, which he co-hosts with Dana Carvey.
The unsettling event happened after Spade performed at the Improv comedy club. As he was driving home on a narrow, dark street leading to his house, Spade noticed two cars following close behind him. Initially, he thought he might be about to become the victim of a carjacking.
Spade said he was ready to threaten the men with his gun if they followed him into his driveway: “If they come behind me, I’m gonna get the gun. Just show it to him like, ‘Hey, this is for real. Now you’re in my house. You can’t do this.'” The comedian pulled over before reaching his driveway and got his pepper spray ready, hoping the vehicles would pass by. Instead, the cars stopped next to him with five men inside asking him to sign various items, including Funko Pop collectibles.
Professional autograph business creates safety concerns for celebrities
Spade stressed that these weren’t genuine fans but people in the business of obtaining autographs for profit. “They’re not really fans. I love fans, but we talked about this before, it’s not fans,” Spade said. “It’s a business. They followed me all the way home. That’s even scarier.” The comedian told the men to “get the f— out of here” and almost pepper sprayed them before they left.
Now he knows what it’s like to be a woman on a regular Monday.
— Mels (@melanieshea) August 26, 2025
This incident highlights a growing problem for celebrities who face persistent stalking by professional autograph hunters. Other stars like Olympic gymnast Olivia Dunne and sprinter Gabby Thomas have reported similar experiences, with groups of men following them at airports demanding signatures on dozens of photos. Many celebrities have noted these aren’t genuine fans but people looking to make money by selling signed merchandise online. Celebrity security concerns have become increasingly common, with many stars taking extra precautions to protect themselves from aggressive fans and profit-seekers.
The professional autograph industry has become increasingly aggressive, with some celebrities refusing to sign anything in public due to safety concerns. David Spade’s wealth and success as a longtime entertainer makes him a target for these professional seekers, who can sell his signature for significant amounts. Signatures from major celebrities can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, creating a lucrative business for those willing to stalk and harass famous people to get them.
