Brad Pitt’s publicist has been forced to issue a statement after five people were arrested in Spain over a scam in which two women were allegedly conned out of more than $361,000
Several individuals impersonating Brad Pitt have been apprehended for allegedly swindling two women out of over $361,000.
Following the arrest of five suspects in connection with the online scam, a representative for the Hollywood star was compelled to remind fans that Pitt has no official social media presence. Matthew Hilktzik, Pitt’s publicist, expressed to the New York Times: “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities.”
Hilktzik, who claimed he was unaware of the specific case, cautioned fans that the actor does not maintain authorized social media accounts on platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram, and therefore, fans should be wary of individuals posing as him online.
Hilktzik emphasized: “But this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence,” reports the Mirror.
In a statement this week by Spain’s Interior Ministry, the authorities confirmed three arrests were made last November, and another two in July (
AFP via Getty Images)
According to a statement released by Spain’s Interior Ministry, three arrests were made in November of the previous year, and an additional two in July. The statement revealed that the accused individuals allegedly contacted the women through an online fan page dedicated to the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood actor, posing as Pitt himself.
It is alleged that they exchanged messages with the victims, with the statement noting that they “managed to make these women believe they had become so close to the well-known American actor that they believed they had a romantic relationship with him.” A woman from Bilbao reportedly sent around €150,000 ($167,000) in multiple transfers, while another woman from Granada transferred €175,000 ($195,000).
Investigators have managed to recover approximately €85,000 ($94,000) during their probe, and the unidentified suspects are now facing charges including money laundering and fraud.
Brad is currently on a promotional tour for his new AppleTV+ series Wolfs. His friend and co-star George Clooney recently confessed that he had impersonated Brad to play pranks on other celebrities, using stationery that appeared to be from the Moneyball star.
Speaking to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, George revealed: “I sent [a letter] to Tom Cruise, saying they want to do [‘Interview with the Vampire 2’], but this time Brad wants to play Lestat.”
As for Meryl Streep, the former E. R. star sent her a gift that ‘Brad’ thought would be useful for her. He elaborated: “I sent [a letter] to Meryl Streep with a box of CDs for dialect and I said, ‘This guy helped me with my accent in Troy and I think it could really help you.'”
In recent weeks, Brad has been traveling the world as part of the Wolves press tour and used it as an opportunity to introduce his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. The Hollywood heartthrob, who is 60 years old and best known for Fight Club, has reportedly been dating the 34 year old jewelry designer for two years.
The couple made their relationship public at the premiere of Wolfs during the star-studded 81st Venice Film Festival this year. Us Weekly reports a source divulging, “They’re super in love. It is a big deal (they took their romance public in Venice.)”
Further insights into the couple’s bond were shared by another insider who described Brad and Ines as having a “hippies” spirit, united by their shared passions for art and music. The insider continued, “Brad loves introducing Ines to his friends because she’s such a joy to be around. She brings out the best in Brad.(Things