Man arrested for threatening to bomb SNL studio amid stalking claims

In New York City, a 48-year-old man named Michael Branham was taken into custody for allegedly threatening to bomb the Saturday Night Live studio, where Colin Jost, Scarlett Johansson's husband, works. This incident came to light after Branham sent a message with the threat to a Connecticut college, which prompted the school administrator to notify law enforcement. Upon investigation, the police were able to identify Branham as a suspect. The threat, which law enforcement officials later deemed not credible, was reported on a Tuesday, with Branham being arraigned on Thursday, facing charges including falsely reporting an incident and making a threat of mass harm. Michael Branham has a history of obsession with Scarlett Johansson, having previously been accused by her of stalking. Court documents indicate that Johansson had attempted to file a restraining order against him but had her application denied due to a procedural error. Reports suggest Branham has an elaborate heart-shaped tattoo featuring the word 'Scarlett' on his chest. He was also known to post delusional claims about the actress on social media, referring to her as his fiancée. The legal issues surrounding Branham are compounded by his existing four active arrest warrants in Kentucky. Following his arrest, Branham pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and bail was set at $100,000. The situation has sparked conversations about celebrity safety and the implications of stalking and harassment in the public eye. While law enforcement and media outlets have reported on the incident, NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News, declined to comment, indicating the sensitivity of the matter. The nature of Branham's threats and his fixation on Johansson have raised important questions about mental health and how it correlates with such criminal behavior. As the case continues to unfold, the public interest remains high due to the high-profile nature of those involved. The arrest and subsequent charges against Branham highlight the disturbing reality that celebrities often face as a result of obsessive fans. There is an ongoing dialogue about how to better protect public figures and address the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents. The threat to the Saturday Night Live studio serves as a reminder of the potential risks that come with fame in the entertainment industry.