SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Janet Jackson (search) obtained a restraining order Thursday against a man who the singer said has been harassing her for nine years.
Robert Gardner (search), 46, was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from Jackson and not to contact the entertainer, her family, agents, attorneys or managers.
The restraining order from a Superior Court judge will remain in place for three years. Jackson wasn't in court.
In a March 1 request for the order, Jackson said Gardner tried last year to bring a box cutter and knife to the New York studio where she was rehearsing an appearance for the television show "Saturday Night Live."
Jackson said in documents that Gardner "has been following me, sending me faxes and letters and attempting to arrange in-person meetings for nine years."
Gardner appeared in court without an attorney and told the judge he had business matters to discuss with Jackson as well as personal matters he preferred to keep private.
"I'm not sure why she's saying this," Gardner told the judge. "We do have a little personal contact."
"She apparently does not want to have contact with you," the judge said.
The judge told Gardner it appeared he had spent a lot of money following the entertainer around the country.
"I'm also one of her fans," Gardner said.
Outside court, Gardner said he will hire a lawyer to contest the ruling.
"I do not want to be considered a stalker," he said.
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