AI-generated photos of Brad Pitt
A French woman, only identified as “Anne,” is coming forward with a story that many would consider embarrassing.
But, she’s putting her mistake out there in order to hopefully get justice for those involved. In February of 2023, 53-year-old Anne was contacted by a woman who claimed to be actor Brad Pitt’s mother, asking for her help. “It’s a woman like you that my son needs” said the woman to Anne. Later, she was contacted by a man she assumed was Pitt. They began communicating, and eventually, the imposter asked Anne for financial help.
Anne had told the Pitt imposter that she had recently been divorced, and together, they commiserated about life after a divorce, the scammer referring to his ongoing divorce battle with his wife of 12 years, Angelina Jolie. The real Pitt just finalized his divorce from Jolie last month.
The scammer would send Anne love letters convincing her of their romantic connection. She says, “I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done.” Eventually, the scammer told Anne he was suffering from kidney cancer and sent her poorly AI-generated photos of Pitt’s face superimposed over a person’s body in a hospital bed.
He told Anne he needed the money for the cancer treatments as the divorce had left him without enough funds. She initially thought twice, but given the connection she believed they had, she thought she was doing the right thing.
“I told myself that I might save a man’s life,” Anne revealed. Her daughter even warned her that the communication was phony. In total, Anne sent the fake Brad Pitt $850,000, thus nearly draining completely her life savings.
Today, the real Brad Pitt is upset with the situation, saying via a statement, “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities. This is an important reminder not to respond to unsolicited online messages, especially from actors who are not present on social networks.”
In total, the faux relationship lasted for over a year, and Anne admits she finally caught on to the hoax after seeing Pitt photographed with his current girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. Sources say Ines has been a driving force behind Pitt being able to move on past his divorce. “She is very zen about it and doesn’t like conflict or negativity. She wants Brad to find peace, forgiveness and move on,” a source says.
Social media is having a field day with the story, with most commenting on Anne’s wits.