A French woman named Anne was duped into transferring over $800,000 to scammers posing as Brad Pitt, believing she was in a romantic relationship with the actor.

The report aired on January 12, 2025, sparked a wave of cyberharassment against Anne, leading the broadcasting network TF1 to withdraw the content for her protection.

In the wake of the incident, local authorities initiated an investigation, while Anne has reportedly been receiving treatment for depression.

This incident underscores the severe consequences of cyberbullying and highlights the need for greater sensitivity towards victims of such crimes.

Vianney publicly condemned the online mockery through an Instagram story, emphasizing that the despair of scam victims should not be a source of humor.

Public reactions have varied, with many expressing sympathy for Anne while others criticized her for not verifying the scam.

Experts warn that the rise of artificial intelligence has exacerbated the risk of identity theft and online fraud, particularly in romance scams.

Anne had previously filed a complaint in the summer of 2024, but it remains uncertain whether she has recovered any of her lost funds.

In a video released shortly after the report's airing, Anne defended herself against claims of being foolish, asserting her intentions were genuine.

The incident has drawn criticism towards a football club that made light of the situation, which was perceived as a significant misstep.

Due to the backlash, the show's producers decided to remove the segment from all platforms to protect Anne from further ridicule.

Anne's experience is part of a troubling trend, as approximately 12,000 individuals in France fell victim to romance scams in 2024.