Comedy legend David Spade recently opened up about a frightening experience that left him considering drastic measures for his own safety. On his podcast Fly on the Wall, which he co-hosts with fellow Saturday Night Live alum Dana Carvey, the actor revealed that a group of men followed him home after a comedy show in hopes of scoring autographs to resell. Spade, who has always valued his genuine fans, made it clear that this situation was very different—it wasn’t about admiration, but about profit.
The Frightening Night
Spade described the incident in vivid detail, recounting how he realized something was wrong while driving up the narrow road that leads to his house. He explained that two cars were tailing him closely, though at first, he didn’t think much of it.
“I have a little road that goes up to my house. It’s kind of skinny and dark, the perfect setup for something bad. I notice two cars right on me, and I thought, ‘Oh, this could get sketchy really fast.’”
When the vehicles pulled up beside him, Spade said he immediately felt uneasy. The men in the car weren’t fans asking for a quick photo or autograph—they were organized autograph seekers with merchandise in hand, ready to make a profit.
“Five guys in a car. They’ve got Funko Pops and all this stuff they want me to sign. That’s when I told them to get the hell out of here. It didn’t feel right.”
Preparing for the Worst
While Spade tried to brush off the encounter at first, he admitted that his nerves began to kick in once he reached his driveway. The thought of strangers following him all the way to his private home left him unsettled.
He explained that he had pepper spray ready in case things escalated, but if the men had followed him into his property, he was prepared to grab a firearm as a last line of defense.
“They almost got sprayed. I thought, ‘If they follow me in, I’ll get the gun, just to show them it’s serious. You can’t do this. This is my house.’”
It was a moment that highlighted the dangerous blurred line between celebrity admiration and harassment.
“Not Fans, It’s a Business”
The actor made it clear that his frustration isn’t with real fans. Spade has always been approachable and grateful for those who support his work. But in this case, he saw a clear difference.
“They’re not really fans. I love fans, always have. But this isn’t about being a fan. It’s a business. These guys follow celebrities, get a bunch of autographs, and then sell them online. That’s what makes it scary. It’s not about love—it’s about money.”
Professional autograph seekers are a growing issue for celebrities. While casual encounters with fans can be positive, groups that aggressively pursue autographs for profit can create uncomfortable and even dangerous situations.
A Rising Problem in Hollywood
Many stars have spoken about similar experiences in recent years. From airports to red carpets, organized groups of autograph sellers often track celebrities in packs, carrying stacks of posters, DVDs, and memorabilia. While some interactions are civil, others can turn tense, especially when celebrities decline to participate.
For Spade, the problem wasn’t just the request for signatures—it was being followed home, a clear invasion of personal boundaries and safety.
“When it happens at a venue, fine, you can deal with it. But when it happens at your house, that’s crossing the line.”
What’s Next for David Spade
Despite the unsettling ordeal, Spade continues to stay busy with multiple projects on the horizon.
He is set to appear in Jonah Hill’s Apple Original film Outcome, starring alongside Hollywood heavyweights Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz. While the movie doesn’t yet have a release date, anticipation is already building.
Additionally, Spade is working on a new comedy project titled Busboys with fellow podcaster Theo Von. The two are producing and starring in the film, financing it themselves to keep full creative control.
On the podcasting front, Fly on the Wall has become a popular space for fans of comedy and Saturday Night Live. Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from some of the biggest names in entertainment, the show allows Spade and Carvey to connect with fans in a more personal way.
The Larger Conversation: Celebrity Safety
Spade’s story also sheds light on the larger issue of celebrity safety and privacy in the digital age. With social media making it easy for fans and opportunists alike to track stars’ movements, the lines between public life and private life have become increasingly blurred.
Celebrities often walk a fine line between being accessible to their fans and maintaining necessary boundaries. Incidents like Spade’s reinforce the need for stronger awareness around personal security—not just for celebrities, but for anyone facing similar privacy invasions.
Conclusion
David Spade’s frightening encounter with aggressive autograph seekers serves as a reminder that fame can come with hidden dangers. While he continues to love and appreciate his fans, Spade made it clear that this incident had nothing to do with admiration. Instead, it was a business transaction forced upon him in a way that invaded his safety and personal life.
His candor in sharing the story not only reveals the reality celebrities face but also sparks an important conversation about respect, boundaries, and the difference between being a true fan and being opportunistic.
As Spade moves forward with his career in comedy, film, and podcasting, this experience will likely remain a cautionary tale—a moment when his love for performing collided with the darker side of celebrity culture.