A woman who fell victim to an elaborate scam involving an AI impersonating Hollywood star Brad Pitt has been left homeless and penniless after handing over nearly £700,000 for fake cancer treatment.
The victim, identified only as Anne, sent the money after being convinced she was helping the actor through a difficult divorce and health battle. A lawyer for the woman is now calling for compassion, as Anne has been subjected to intense online ridicule, leading her to delete her social media profiles.
Laurène Hanna, Anne’s Paris-based lawyer, said the situation highlights the risks of online fraud. “Anne is not the only one to fall for such a scam,” Hanna remarked. “What my client needs now is support and dignity during this difficult time.”
Anne, an interior designer, initially came into contact with the scammer after sharing photos from a lavish ski trip on Instagram. She was contacted by someone posing as Brad Pitt’s mother, followed by messages from an account claiming to be the actor himself. Over time, their relationship deepened with exchanges of love poems and frequent communication via AI-generated images and videos of Pitt, who allegedly required funds for urgent cancer treatment.
The scam escalated when “Brad” asked Anne to contribute up to £7,566 to receive gifts. He claimed that his ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie had made him unable to access funds for the medical treatment he desperately needed. Despite some initial doubts, Anne sent the money after being reassured by the AI-generated content and text conversations.
Her suspicions were ultimately raised after seeing real photos of Brad Pitt with his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, in the media. The authorities have since launched an investigation into the fraud.
Anne’s mental health has suffered as a result of the scam and subsequent online attacks. She has revealed that she attempted suicide three times before seeking professional help and checking into a mental health clinic.
