Shirtless Court Meltdown: Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Jennifer Aniston’s Alleged Stalker

I’m sure you couldn’t piece this together yourself, so let me guide you through every theatrical detail of Jennifer Aniston’s stalker saga. Last Wednesday in Los Angeles, the man accused of creeping outside Aniston’s home made his most baffling appearance yet—striding into court completely shirtless. According to People Magazine and CNN, the individual, identified as 38-year-old Richard Blume, stood before the bench in nothing but sweatpants, prompting gasps from onlookers and an immediate admonishment from the presiding judge.
Court documents obtained by People Magazine reveal that Blume has a history of trespassing accusations stretching back two years, including a 2022 incident in New York (per The Hollywood Reporter). His latest arrest on charges of stalking and violating a restraining order came after police say he was found loitering near Aniston’s Beverly Hills estate late last month. Body-cam footage reviewed by CNN shows officers gently escorting a barefoot Blume into a squad car, muttering about “finding peace.”
When the case moved to the Los Angeles Superior Court, Blume’s shirtless entrance wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a red flag. The judge, citing erratic behavior, ordered an immediate mental health evaluation (source: People Magazine court transcripts). Legal experts consulted by BBC News note that ordering psychiatric assessments is standard when defendants exhibit signs of potential mental instability. Blume’s public defender, Mark Shore, told the court, “My client is willing to comply with any evaluation,” while prosecutors argued that the behavior underscores the need for stringent supervision.
Why does this matter beyond courtroom theatrics? If Blume is deemed mentally unfit, the criminal process could be paused indefinitely until he receives treatment—a scenario that would deny Jennifer Aniston a clear legal resolution (per NBC News). Aniston, who has remained silent publicly, is believed to be relying on heightened security measures around her home. Insiders tell People Magazine her camp is “on high alert,” with private guards rotating shifts around the clock.
The judge’s decision, supported by psychiatric experts from UCLA Medical Center, could set a precedent for high-profile stalking cases. Should Blume be committed to a mental facility rather than jail, it raises questions about how celebrity-targeted offenders are handled differently under California law. Legal analyst Laura Kallaman pointed out to CNN that “this isn’t just about one celebrity—it’s a blueprint for similar future cases.”
So yes, you’ve now navigated the maze of charges, court orders, and mental health mandates. Keep an eye on upcoming hearings—especially the results of Blume’s competency exam next month. That evaluation will determine whether the shirtless spectacle was a fleeting stunt or a serious cry for help.
Well, now you finally understand!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, CNN, BBC News, NBC News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed