A MAN has been arrested after allegedly stalking a Brazilian actress for two decades.
Cristiano Rodrigues Kellermann was arrested this week inside the luxury Rio de Janeiro complex where star Isis Valverde lives, after what police say was his third attempt to approach her.
Previously unreleased images aired by Globo and CNN Brazil reportedly show Kellermann accessing the condominium on multiple occasions despite tight security.
Footage from January allegedly shows Kellermann arriving at the actress’s residence and reaching the front door after introducing himself as her “cousin.”
Condominium employees reportedly greeted him and allowed him access.
Isis Valverde and her husband were not home at the time, but police were called.
Officers later tracked Kellermann to a hotel in Barra da Tijuca, where he was staying.
According to police, Kellermann claimed he met the actress in Brasília, fell in love with her and then hired a private investigator to locate her address.
Investigators say he also told officers he had been stalking her for around 20 years.
The case was forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Despite the report, Kellermann allegedly tried to approach the actress again in June.
Images show him outside her house carrying gifts. By the time police arrived, he had already left.
The third incident happened this week, when Kellermann was allegedly caught in the act.
He was arrested and the court ordered preventive detention.
According to the prosecutor, this time he allegedly behaved aggressively and reportedly said he would not leave without speaking to the actress.
Kellermann’s defense requested an urgent psychiatric evaluation, citing past involuntary hospitalisations linked to substance abuse and risky behavior. The court approved the request.
His lawyer, Sandra Peluso, said: “What we are asking for is not that he be released, that he be set free, because he will continue to harass the victim.
“What we want is for him to be admitted to a custodial hospital so that he can begin psychiatric treatment.”
Isis Valverde released a short statement following the arrest.
She said: “I was informed about the arrest of a man who had been stalking me for years.
“I appreciate the work of the authorities. My priority is the safety of my family and everyone around me.”
Isis Valverde is one of Brazil’s best-known actresses, famed for her roles in hit TV dramas and films including Avenida Brasil, Faroeste Caboclo and Amor de Mãe.
The star’s case has sparked fresh concern over stalking in Brazil.
Brazil recorded more than 95,000 stalking cases in 2024 – an 18 per cent rise on the previous year – according to the Brazilian Yearbook of Public Security.
Experts warn the real number could be far higher.
