Forget Pretty Little Liars, Ashley Benson has some real-life drama all her own.The Pretty Little Liars star secured a temporary restraining order against a 49-year-old man who allegedly "admitted he believes he has been instructed by God to pursue" Ashley "romantically," according to E! News.
Even creepier, the man worked as a security guard on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, Calif. where the show films. "Benson was anxious, worried and fearful when she learned about his threatening intentions," the TRO petition filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court stated.
Ashley first became aware of James P. Gorton's actions June 11 when her manager, Thor Bradwell, showed her a picture of a man and she recognized him as a security guard on the lot. Brad went on to tell her that "Gorton has expressed sexual feelings" toward her and "had stated that he is "acting under instructions from God to pursue a romantic relationship."
James reportedly said he fell in love with Ashley "over a year ago" after he saw her at a coffee shop near the lot. "I am also told that Mr. Gorton believes that God has spoken to him through my character on Pretty Little Liars," she added.Warner Bros. VP of studio protection Rick Warmack reportedly stated in a declaration that James told members of his church that he was going to marry Ashley and that he told him he and Ashley were meant to "live happily ever after" and "spread the Gospel together."
As a result of these revelations and the filing, James can no longer work on the lot, and must stay at least 100 yards away from and refrain from contacting Ashley. A hearing to determine whether the order should be extended will be held July 9.
