Pamela Anderson Recalls Almost Being “Killed” When Fan Mistook Her for Member of the Dixie Chicks

While continuing to explore a career in Hollywood, Pamela Anderson will always be known for her time on the hit series Baywatch. She also nurtured a career as a Playboy Playmate throughout the 1990s. With Anderson appearing in films and television shows, the actress is well-known in the entertainment industry. And she also gained a sizable following over the years. But knowing the dark side of fandom, Anderson once recalled how a man tried to “kill” her when he mistook her for being part of The Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks. 

Videos by American Songwriter

Back in 2003, The Chicks found themselves with a great deal of backlash when Natalie Maines used her stardom to criticize former President George W. Bush. Not thrilled about his stance on the United States invading Iraq, the singer decided to share her thoughts on the situation. Not long after, the band went through years of criticism and attacks. 

Although Anderson was never part of The Chicks, one man thought she looked like one of the band’s members. Recalling the incident on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Anderson said, “This one time, I was on a flight and this guy came up to me and said, ‘Do you know what this country’s done for you?’” Confused by the man’s words, the actress continued, “And I was like, ‘Oh, my God. What have I done?’ And then I looked back at him and he’d (growl at me). This stewardess had to handcuff him to the chair because he was trying to attack me.”

[RELATED: Listen: Lainey Wilson Nods at the Chicks With New ‘Whirlwind’ Track]

Pamela Anderson Was Scared To Fly

While a case of mistaken identity, Anderson remembered the hate the man showcased. “When you look back and he’s like (scowling) at you. That was minor (though)! I was scared to fly after that!”

Eventually, Anderson learned why the man carried such hate for her. “It ended up … he thought I was a Dixie Chick. Remember that whole Dixie Chicks thing? I almost got killed on a plane!”

Thankfully, no harm came of Anderson as the crew quickly intervened and made sure the individual couldn’t put their hands on the actress. While scared over the incident, the actress looked back on the memory as nothing more than the price of fame.

(Photo by John Nacion/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty Images)