In one of the most bizarre and heartbreaking scams we’ve heard of, a 53-year-old French woman believed she was involved in a whirlwind romance with none other than Brad Pitt.

It all began when she received a Facebook message in February 2023, supposedly from the Hollywood star’s mother. Little did she know, this seemingly innocent interaction would turn into an elaborate scheme that left her emotionally and financially devastated.

The scammer, who posed as Pitt, started communicating exclusively through text messages. Conveniently, this ‘Brad Pitt’ was always too busy for phone calls but generously sent AI-generated videos of the actor to string her along. At first, Anne, the victim, had her doubts, but over time, the flirtations became too convincing to ignore.

What followed was a sequence of increasingly ludicrous requests, starting with a promise of lavish gifts, but only if she paid a hefty customs fee of 9,000 euros (£7,566). Anne, already caught up in the romance and caught off guard by the smooth words and sweet poetry from the “actor,” paid up without hesitation.

As if things weren’t unbelievable enough, the scam escalated when the fake Pitt proposed to Anne, and in the midst of the supposed engagement, the scammer claimed he needed money for urgent medical treatment.

According to the imposter, the actor was undergoing treatment for kidney cancer, and since he couldn’t access his own funds due to a messy divorce from Angelina Jolie, Anne’s help was needed. Naturally, Anne, who had just come into a divorce settlement worth nearly $800,000, sent over the money, believing she was aiding her new fiancé.

But the twists didn’t stop there. The scammer continued to fuel Anne’s delusions by sending AI-generated images of Pitt in a hospital bed, feigning a desperate need for financial assistance. Unfortunately for Anne, it wasn’t until she saw the real Brad Pitt out with his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, that the truth began to hit her. By then, Anne had sent over a staggering 830,000 euros (£697,000) to the scammer.

The extent of the betrayal was overwhelming. Anne, now realizing she had been duped, filed a complaint in 2024, prompting an investigation into the scam.

Tragically, the emotional toll of the deception has left her hospitalized for severe depression. Meanwhile, the authorities are still on the hunt for the scammer who preyed on her vulnerabilities.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that Brad Pitt’s name has been used for malicious gain. In September 2024, five individuals were arrested in Spain for extorting over $330,000 from two women by posing as the actor.

As tragic as this story is, the internet has been both sympathetic and snarky in its reactions. Sarah Bee, a commenter on X, summed it up perfectly: “Romance scams are the cruellest.” Others had a bit more of a tongue-in-cheek response, questioning why Anne didn’t just Google Brad Pitt’s current situation before sending so much money, or joking that people should keep track of their older relatives’ activities to avoid them giving away their inheritance to a fake Brad Pitt.

One user, Jay Kennedy, chimed in, sharing how his stepmother continues to send money to a “cellist,” despite repeated warnings. “It’s sad how lonely and lost older people get. To where they are so delusional and do this.”

In a devastating turn of events, Will Smith, the beloved actor known for his roles in The Pursuit of Happyness and Men in Black, has been struck by a personal tragedy. Reports confirm that his luxurious Malibu mansion, valued at a staggering $42 million, was engulfed in flames early this morning, leaving the Hollywood star in a state of utter shock. Even more distressing, Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and other members of their family were reportedly inside the home when the fire broke out, trapped as they desperately tried to escape the raging inferno.

The Inferno Strikes
The blaze began at approximately 2:30 AM, spreading quickly through the coastal mansion. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene, but the combination of high winds and dry conditions made it difficult to control the fire. Despite extensive efforts by local fire departments, the home, which had been a sanctuary for the couple and their children, suffered extensive damage.

According to sources, Smith was on a business trip when the fire started, and was immediately alerted when the fire broke out. Upon hearing the news, he rushed back to Malibu, only to be met by the sight of his prized property engulfed in flames.

A close family friend stated, “Will was absolutely crushed when he arrived. He’s always been a private person, but this was different. His family is everything to him, and seeing them trapped like that… it was pure chaos.”

A Family in Peril
Jada and their children, along with some close friends who were staying at the mansion, were inside when the fire spread. “They all woke up to smoke and the smell of burning wood. It was terrifying,” the source continued. “Jada had to help guide the children out of the house as they navigated the thick smoke.”
While they eventually managed to escape the house, the scene was heartbreaking. A neighbor who witnessed the chaos described how Jada and her family looked when they were finally evacuated: “There was a mixture of shock and fear in their eyes. They just looked at each other, speechless. It was like they couldn’t believe what was happening.”

Despite the traumatic experience, all family members and guests are confirmed to be safe. However, the emotional toll is expected to be significant, especially as the Smith family watches their once-beautiful home reduced to rubble

Will Smith, known for his strong public persona, is said to be “completely in shock” by the incident. His close colleagues have expressed concern for the actor, acknowledging how deeply this tragedy has affected him. A friend of Smith’s from the film industry shared, “Will’s always been strong for his family, but this is a different kind of pain. It’s going to take some time to process this.”

Smith has yet to release a public statement about the fire, but his social media accounts have been flooded with messages of support from fans and celebrities alike. Many are sending thoughts of strength, while others are offering their assistance during this difficult time.

The news of Will Smith’s mansion burning down has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with many stars offering their help and condolences. His co-stars, including Bad Boys partner Martin Lawrence and Aladdin director Guy Ritchie, have reached out to show their support. “We’re just glad they’re safe,” Lawrence said in an emotional tweet.

As the fire investigation continues and recovery efforts are underway, it’s clear that the Smith family will have a long road ahead. The $42 million mansion, which was not just a house but a symbol of the family’s success, is now a pile of ashes. Despite the material loss, the family’s safety is what matters most, and for now, fans and friends alike are relieved that they made it out unharmed.

How You Can Help
With the Smiths beginning their journey of recovery, many are asking how they can contribute. As of now, donations are being directed to various organizations that provide support for families affected by natural disasters like fires. The Malibu community, which is no stranger to such tragedies, is rallying behind Will and Jada during this trying time.

ABC’s “The View” ignored the media outlet and news host George Stephanopoulos’ settlement with President-elect Donald Trump over repeatedly saying that the president-elect was “found liable for rape.”

The ABC talk show discussed the New Jersey drone story, as well as Sen. Mitt Romney’s interview on CNN on Sunday, during which he said, “give him a chance to do what he said he’s going to do and see how it works out.”

The settlement was publicly filed on Saturday, revealing that the two parties have come to an agreement and avoided a costly trial. According to the settlement, ABC News will pay $15 million as a charitable contribution to a “Presidential foundation and museum to be established by or for Plaintiff, as Presidents of the United States of America have established in the past.” Additionally, the network will pay $1 million in Trump’s attorney fees.

The co-hosts of “The View” have been outspoken about the legal cases against Trump throughout the election cycle. They frequently refer to him as a convicted felon.

Fox News Digital has reached out to ABC for comment.

Stephanopoulos and ABC News also had to issue statements of “regret” as an editor’s note at the bottom of a March 10, 2024, online article, about comments made earlier this year that prompted Trump to file the defamation lawsuit.

“ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024,” the note reads.

Stephanopoulos repeated that Trump was found “liable for rape” ten times during his spat with Mace, despite the fact that a jury actually determined Trump was liable for “sexual abuse,” which has a distinct definition under New York law.

The settlement has been criticized by members of the media.

“I do worry about the effect this could have on others and the chilling effect it might have on people who otherwise would be critical of Donald Trump,” MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade said during a discussion about the defamation settlement on Saturday.