Brad Pitt has always had a devoted following, with many fans claiming to resemble the A-list actor.
However, in 2023, a new and sinister twist emerged when scammers utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate Brad Pitt
and deceive a French woman out of a staggering $855,000.
This bizarre crime came to light in January 2025 when the victim, identified as Anne,
a 53-year-old interior designer, shared her story in an emotional interview on the French TV channel TF1.
The incident has prompted a response from Brad Pitt’s team, highlighting the growing dangers of online scams involving celebrities.
Anne’s ordeal began in February 2023, when she was first contacted by an AI scammer posing as Brad Pitt’s mother, Jane Etta Pitt. The scammer, using AI-generated photos and messages, made Anne feel special, claiming that she was the ideal candidate to be Brad’s daughter-in-law. At the time, Anne was undergoing a divorce, and the scammers exploited her vulnerability. Anne recalled during her interview, “At first, I said to myself that it was fake, that it’s ridiculous. But I’m not used to social media and I didn’t really understand what was happening to me.”
As the interaction progressed, the scammer introduced Anne to a version of Brad Pitt, communicated through messaging apps like WhatsApp. Anne received AI-generated images of the actor, which appeared authentic enough for her to believe she was genuinely conversing with the *Ocean’s Eleven* star. In a further attempt to manipulate Anne, the scammer, posing as “Jane,” claimed that Brad was suffering from kidney cancer and lacked the financial resources to afford his treatment. The fake Jane explained that Brad’s bank accounts had been frozen due to his ongoing divorce from ex-wife Angelina Jolie.
This deceit came at a sensitive time, as Brad and Angelina’s lengthy divorce was nearing its conclusion. In fact, the former couple finalized their divorce on December 30, 2024, after years of legal battles. The scammers, playing on this public information, convinced Anne that Brad’s financial situation was dire, leading her to make a tragic decision.
Despite her initial doubts, Anne was persuaded to wire $855,000 into a bank account located in Turkey. The scammers even sent her a fake doctor’s note to further convince her of Brad’s health crisis. It wasn’t until later, in September 2024, when Brad Pitt appeared publicly with his girlfriend, Ines De Ramon, at the Venice Film Festival, that Anne realized she had been scammed. This public display of Brad’s new relationship shattered the illusion, and Anne began to piece together the extent of the fraud.
In her emotional interview, Anne questioned why she had been targeted. “I ask myself why they chose me to do such harm like this? I’ve never harmed anyone. These people deserve hell,” she said. It was clear that she had been deeply affected by the experience, and her desire for justice was evident.
In response to the incident, Brad Pitt’s team issued a statement expressing their sympathy and concern. “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities,” the spokesperson told *Variety*. “This is an important reminder not to respond to unsolicited online messages, especially from actors who are not present on social networks.” The statement serves as a cautionary reminder to fans about the dangers of online scams, especially those involving fake celebrity interactions.
The fallout from Anne’s interview was swift and harsh. After her segment aired, she faced a wave of online backlash, with many mocking the AI images she had received from the scammers. The negative attention led to her initial interview being pulled from the station, highlighting the stigma and humiliation that often accompanies victims of such scams.
This troubling incident highlights the growing threat of AI-driven scams, where technology is used to impersonate public figures and manipulate unsuspecting individuals. As celebrities like Brad Pitt continue to amass large fan bases, it’s crucial for both fans and public figures to remain vigilant about the potential dangers of online fraud. This case serves as a stark reminder of the power of technology to deceive, and the need for greater awareness in protecting individuals from becoming victims of such malicious schemes.
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