A Michigan man who broke into Eminem’s home twice has been sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. Matthew David Hughes, 32, received the sentence on June 17, 2025, after being convicted of first-degree home invasion and aggravated stalking.
The judge ordered Hughes to serve 15 to 30 years for home invasion and an additional 3 to 7.5 years for stalking. The sentences will run back-to-back, meaning he will spend at least 18 years behind bars. Hughes is also banned from contacting Eminem or going near his home or workplace.
The first break-in happened in April 2020. Hughes used a brick to smash a window and entered Eminem’s Clinton Township home while the rapper was asleep. Eminem woke up to find Hughes standing behind him in the living room. Hughes told the rapper he was there to kill him before security intervened.
Hughes pleaded guilty to second-degree home invasion in 2021 and got five years of probation. However, he violated probation by assaulting a mall security guard later that year. He was jailed but released on parole in May 2024.
The second break-in occurred in August 2024. Hughes entered Eminem’s home again, this time through an unlocked door. He stole a bicycle before being spotted by security. Police arrested him four days later at a nearby Walmart.
Eminem testified against Hughes during the trial in May 2025. The jury took less than 30 minutes to convict him. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said the sentence sends a strong message about safety and privacy.
“No one, celebrity or not, should ever feel unsafe in their own home. This sentence sends a clear message that stalking and home invasion will be taken seriously.”
Hughes had a history of trespassing on Eminem’s properties. In 2019, he broke into a guest house at one of the rapper’s former homes in Rochester Hills. He told the new owner he was “looking for his brother Marshall” and later served 90 days in jail.
The case mirrors Eminem’s 2000 hit song “Stan”, which tells the story of an obsessed fan. The rapper has not publicly commented on Hughes’ sentencing. Legal experts say the strict punishment reflects the seriousness of repeated stalking and home invasions.
Hughes will be eligible for parole after 18 years. If denied, he could remain in prison for up to 37.5 years. The court also issued a permanent restraining order, banning him from any contact with Eminem.
Security footage from the 2024 break-in showed Hughes entering the home and taking the bicycle. Police used the footage to track him down. Eminem’s legal team has not released a statement but is reportedly satisfied with the outcome.
This is not the first time Eminem has dealt with stalkers. His fame has made him a target for obsessive fans in the past. The rapper has increased security at his properties following the incidents.
Hughes’ defense argued that he struggled with mental health issues. However, prosecutors emphasized the danger of his actions. The judge agreed, calling the crimes “calculated and relentless.”
The case has sparked discussions about celebrity safety and fan obsession. Many fans online expressed relief that Hughes will no longer be a threat. Others praised the legal system for taking strict action.
Eminem continues to focus on his music career. He recently filed a $109 million lawsuit against Meta for using his songs without permission. The rapper remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.
Also Read: Inside 8 Mile’s Rap Battle: Anthony Mackie Explains How Eminem Used His Real Life Story on Set
Credits: News reports from CBS Detroit, The Guardian, XXL, and HotNewHipHop.
