Brad Pitt has spoken out following the harrowing story of a French woman who lost $850,000 in an elaborate catfishing scheme involving a scammer impersonating the Hollywood star.
The victim, a 53-year-old interior decorator named Anne, shared her ordeal on the French TV program Sept à huit. Anne recounted how she was duped into a year-long online romance with someone pretending to be Pitt. The scam began after Anne, new to social media, was contacted by an account claiming to be Pitt’s mother, who introduced her to the “actor.”
Over time, Anne received AI-generated photos and messages, building what she believed was a genuine connection. The scammer eventually requested financial help, claiming Pitt was unable to access his funds during a divorce with Angelina Jolie and needed $1 million for cancer treatment. Anne, who had recently finalized her own divorce and received a settlement, gave away most of her savings.
The truth emerged when Pitt made his relationship with Ines de Ramon public, prompting Anne to realize she had been deceived. Devastated, she said, “I ask myself why they chose me to do such harm.”
Pitt’s spokesperson condemned the scam, stating, “It’s awful that scammers exploit fans’ connections with celebrities. This is a crucial reminder to avoid engaging with unsolicited online messages, especially from actors who don’t use social media.”
Following the broadcast, Anne faced online ridicule, prompting the TV network to remove the segment. In her defense, Anne said, “I just wanted to help someone. I’m not crazy or naïve.”
This incident isn’t isolated. Similar scams involving fake celebrity personas have occurred, including one in Spain where women were swindled out of €325,000. Pitt’s team emphasized the need for public vigilance against such frauds.
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