Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has obtained a restraining order against 31-year-old Pradeep Manukonda. Zuckerberg filed legal papers claiming Manukonda tried to follow and contact him, his sister, and his girlfriend using threatening language. Manukonda visited several Facebook offices in Palo Alto attempting to ask Zuckerberg for financial aid for his family, and security even intercepted Manukonda at Zuckerberg's home on January 24, 2011 just as he was about to walk up the front steps, according to TMZ.
Manukonda received a verbal warning from cops, but Zuckerberg claims he has continued to try to contact him. These communications include at least one Facebook message on December 22, 2010 and one hand-written letter on January 28, 2011. The judge has decided Manukonda must stay at least 300 yards away from Zuckerberg, his sister Randi, and his girlfriend Priscilla Chan. The orders may change after a hearing later this month.
After receiving the restraining order, Manukonda has claimed he never meant to scare Zuckerberg, feels terrible about the whole situation, and promises to never bother the Facebook CEO again. Here's what he told TMZ:
"I'm a peaceful guy ... I'm sorry he thought I was trying to harm him." Pradeep says he was dealing with a major personal problem – and "I thought Mark would be able to give me advice." Pradeep wouldn't disclose the nature of his problem, but insists it had nothing to do with computers. Pradeep continues, "I understand he's a busy man ... I'll respect his privacy."
Remember, Facebook stalking can be harmful or harmless, but in the real world, stalking is just stalking.