Who is Gerald Hurt? CNN host Anderson Cooper’s Manhattan stalker sentenced to 30 days in prison
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Gerald Hurt, a 52-year-old resident of Manhattan, has been sentenced to 30 days in prison for stalking Anderson Cooper, the renowned CNN host.
Hurt's disturbing actions included appearing uninvited at Cooper's doorstep on multiple occasions between August and December 2022, even attempting to forcefully enter his residence, according to the DailyMail.
Gerald Hurt ignored restraining order
Despite Cooper's efforts to protect himself by obtaining a restraining order against Hurt, the stalker persisted in his actions.
As a result, Hurt faced a legal battle and was charged with a total of eight counts, encompassing misdemeanor stalking, menacing, trespassing, and criminal contempt for disregarding the restraining order.
Additionally, Hurt was issued a five-year restraining order against Cooper to prevent any further contact or harassment.
This case marks the second instance in which Anderson Cooper has been subjected to harassment.
In 2014, a Queens man suffering from schizophrenia claimed to be in love with the news anchor and was sentenced to a year of psychiatric treatment and five years of probation for his actions.
The incident involving Hurt demonstrates a series of troubling interactions that began on August 21, 2022. Hurt arrived at Cooper's West Village residence early in the morning and falsely claimed to have a package for the host.
The situation escalated with each subsequent encounter, as Hurt ignored Cooper's requests and the restraining order.
Court documents reveal that Hurt even engaged in confrontational behavior, pushing against the front door and attempting to grab Cooper.
Benjamin Maisani engaged in multiple face-offs with stalker
Anderson Cooper's partner, Benjamin Maisani, also confronted Gerald Hurt during multiple instances. Cooper and Maisani's relationship timeline saw them meeting in 2009 and confirming their partnership in 2015.
Although they later separated in 2018, they maintained their commitment to co-parent their children, including Wyatt, born in 2020, and the youngest, Sebastian, born in 2022.
Hurt's arrest followed his final confrontation with Benjamin Maisani in December 2022, during which Hurt questioned the legitimacy of the restraining order. To date, Anderson Cooper has not publicly addressed the incident.
Hurt told him, "I am here to see Anderson Cooper." Hurt then gave his number to Masiani, for Cooper to contact him. In the end, on a December night at 10 pm, Hurt came back and informed Maisani: "I am here to see Anderson Cooper."
Maisani replied, ''We have a restraining order against you." Hurt said, "Oh you mean the fake order?'' Hurt was arrested on December 15. Cooper has not addressed the incident.
