The Brad Pitt Scam: A Story of Manipulation, Deception, and Suffering
The actor reacts to the tragic story of a French woman scammed by a fake Brad Pitt
Actor Brad Pitt recently addressed a harrowing story involving Anne, a French woman who fell victim to a massive fraud. She lost over €830,000 after believing she was in a romantic relationship with the American actor. It all began in February 2023, when Anne, 53, received a message on Instagram from someone claiming to be Jane Etta Pitt, Brad Pitt’s mother. The message said Anne was the ideal companion for her son. Shortly after, another message came from “Brad Pitt” himself, solidifying the illusion. Struggling through a marital crisis, Anne was gradually convinced.
Under the influence of the scammer, who used convincing fake photos and videos, Anne began transferring large sums of money. She sent payments for alleged customs fees and medical treatments for Brad Pitt, who claimed his accounts were frozen due to legal disputes with Angelina Jolie. The situation spiraled, with Anne ultimately transferring her entire divorce settlement of €775,000.
The Pain of a Forgotten Victim
After a year and a half of manipulation, Anne began to question the situation, especially after seeing news reports about Brad Pitt’s life. That’s when she realized the devastating truth and filed a police complaint. But the ordeal didn’t end there. Her testimony on Sept à Huit, a French TV show, triggered a wave of mockery and cyberbullying, leaving her in even greater distress. Anne later revealed that she attempted suicide three times and was forced to sell her home to recover financially.
Late Support from Brad Pitt and a Warning to Fans
Amid the flood of reactions, Brad Pitt responded through his spokesperson, expressing his sorrow and anger toward scammers exploiting fans’ admiration for celebrities. He emphasized the importance of not responding to unsolicited online messages, noting that he has no social media presence. This tragic story highlights the growing dangers of online scams, where criminals use advanced techniques like deepfakes to deceive their victims.
The Scale of the Phenomenon
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. In Spain, two other women were scammed out of €325,000 by individuals pretending to be Brad Pitt. The phenomenon is growing, and Anne’s case is just one among many victims of such fraud.
Now living in precarious conditions, Anne urges vigilance and compassion. She insists she is not “crazy” and that anyone could have fallen into the same trap. She concludes: “I’m speaking out because I’m not the only victim of this type of fraud.”
A Call for Online Caution and Moral Support for Victims
This case has raised public awareness of the dangers of online scams. Some individuals, like singer Vianney, have expressed compassion for Anne, pointing out how hard it is to mock someone who has been so deeply manipulated. However, others continue to ridicule her tragic experience.
Ultimately, Anne’s story serves as a stark reminder of the emotional and financial toll online scammers can inflict and the need for heightened vigilance.
This tragedy not only highlights the cost of naivety but also underscores the importance of recognizing that victims are not to blame for such crimes. Anne didn’t just lose money; she lost her integrity and emotional stability, becoming an example of how modern digital manipulation can devastate lives.