Actor Jerry O’Connell Falls Prey to “Yoga Bandit” During Los Angeles Studio Session
Actor and TV host Jerry O’Connell was robbed in a calm yoga studio, terrifying most yoga practitioners. In a “yoga bandit” incident in a Los Angeles yoga class, O’Connell’s phone and wallet were stolen. The theft, how a habitual, trusted habit was exploited, and how a New Jersey actor became involved in a story with wider ramifications for wellness space security make this story remarkable.
O’Connell has planted his phone and wallet in sneakers near the entrance before class over 100 times, according to his yoga attendance app. Both were gone when he went to get them after class. A woman impersonating a late-for-class student got in, asked to use the washroom, and approached the shoes. Later surveillance footage showed her in yoga attire, carrying a mat, wearing an arm sleeve, and having pigtails. She took O’Connell’s phone and wallet while bending near his sneakers.
The loss went beyond money. A high school photo of his wife Rebecca Romijn, a four-leaf clover from a friend, a two-dollar bill from his “Stand by Me” film days, his grandfather’s obituary, and even his Powerball tickets were lost along with several hundred dollars in cash and unauthorized charges (around $500 at a store and $100 at a gas station). Credit cards were cancelled quickly and fraud was avoided, but sentimental value is irreplaceable.
The actress-turned-actor also learned from police reports that this woman may have planned similar robberies in other Los Angeles yoga studios, probably using the same or similar method: pretend to be late, acquire entrance, steal things. O’Connell returned to yoga immediately after the infraction, proving that a mistake won’t stop him. He thanked his instructor and stated he sticks to his fitness program even though that day “wasn’t very namasté.”
This example highlights how trusting environments can be vulnerable, especially when people leave possessions in semi-unattended locations and security is lax. Yoga studios, gyms, and wellness centers emphasize tranquility, relaxation, and camaraderie, yet unwanted visitors might take advantage of these qualities. Enhancing surveillance, controlling who enters (even in casual places), and setting explicit occupancy and access policies—even for latecomers—may be necessary.
A personal twist: O’Connell’s biography and New Jersey connection add interest. When someone loses precious images or family heirlooms, many people relate. Because it happened to a star and could happen to anyone, the narrative resonates.
How O’Connell handled the situation—cancelling cards, involving police, checking CCTV, and returning to yoga—is crucial. Yes, resilience. His disclosure raises awareness that when privacy is broken in a healing space and individuals relax, there can be serious consequences.
Readers: be careful where you put valuables, especially in trusted places. If you must leave stuff near you, use lockers or unobtrusive places and mark exits and entrances. Wellness should be calm and safe.
Sources
People; Entertainment Weekly; Fox News; NBC Los Angeles; LAPD public statements
