Ashanti is finally opening up about a terrifying chapter in her life, admitting that being stalked for years completely “changed [her] life.” Speaking on Stalking the Stars, the latest episode of Investigation Discovery’s Hollywood Demons, the “Baby” singer shared how unsettling and disheartening the experience was.
Devar Hurd, the man responsible, stood trial for stalking Ashanti four times between 2009 and 2016. Ashanti reflected on the emotional toll it took, saying, “It’s unsettling, it’s disheartening, and it makes you question who’s the victim.” She said she’s hopeful the nightmare is behind her now, wishing for rehabilitation and peace.
Ashanti made it clear that while she loves her fans and tries to be gracious, there’s a line between admiration and invasion. “I have some of the most amazing fans in the world, but it does get a bit invasive,” she shared. Back in 2009, while starring as Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway, things took a dark turn when her mom started receiving creepy texts and photos.
The then-unknown Hurd was obsessed. He texted Ashanti’s mom asking to “be together” with the singer, sent messages criticizing her relationship with Nelly, and kept trying to get close to her. Ashanti remembered feeling scared as things escalated quickly, especially when Hurd started sending pictures of her car parked outside the theater and even aerial shots of her home. That’s when her family knew it was time to get the law involved.
Hurd was arrested in 2009 and sentenced to two years in prison for sending sexual messages and stalking, but he was released after only a year. Ashanti thought it was finally over , but it wasn’t. Despite a no-contact order, Hurd popped up again, sending pictures with her sister Kenashia Douglas and flooding her social media with messages in 2014.
It got even worse when he was arrested again and decided to represent himself in court, giving him the sick opportunity to cross-examine Ashanti face-to-face. “It’s really weird. It’s kind of like, to get what you want done, he gets what he wants, which is to be in your presence,” she said. A juror’s illness caused a mistrial, but eventually, Hurd was convicted again in 2016 and sentenced to four years. Somehow, he got out after just one year.
Even after everything, Ashanti is still standing strong, but she made it clear that the fear and disruption caused by years of stalking never really go away. Her story is a chilling reminder of how fame doesn’t protect you from real-world danger , and how the scars from being stalked can run deep.
- Ashanti Says Being Stalked For Years Completely Changed Her - April 29, 2025
- Donald Trump Taunts Taylor Swift With Savage Super Bowl Dig at Eagles Celebration - April 29, 2025
- Jamie Oliver’s Kids Cringe Hard Every Time He Shows Up - April 29, 2025
