In a recent unsettling incident, Jennifer Aniston became the target of a “swatting” hoax in Los Angeles, causing the LAPD to respond to a fake wellness check at the actress’s home late last Friday. Swatting, a dangerous prank where false reports of serious incidents are made to prompt an emergency police response, is becoming an increasingly troubling trend in Hollywood.
TMZ first reported that someone called the police, claiming a friend—later revealed to be Aniston—was in distress, alluding to potential depression or worse. The LAPD, unaware of who the homeowner was at first, showed up after midnight at Aniston’s residence, only to be met by her security team.
Once they realized the situation was a false alarm, the police confirmed with Aniston herself that she was fine, and no further action was needed.
This isn’t the first time the LAPD has had to deal with these dangerous pranks. Other celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Tom Cruise, have also been victims of similar swatting hoaxes.
Swatting, classified as criminal harassment, puts not only the victims but also law enforcement officers at risk. Each time officers respond to a fake emergency, they could be diverting resources away from real crises, endangering public safety.
In response to the incident, the LAPD has flagged Aniston’s address in their system. Moving forward, they will first contact her security team before sending officers, ensuring they don’t rush to another false alarm. However, the incident underscores a growing concern—swatting is on the rise, especially targeting high-profile individuals.
This surge in swatting comes amid a broader spike in crime throughout Los Angeles. Celebrities and residents alike are feeling the impact. According to the LAPD’s 2023 end-of-year crime report, property crimes rose by 3.5%, with motor vehicle thefts up 2% from the previous year. The rise in crime has driven many high-profile figures to boost their security, with companies providing personal protection services reporting a massive uptick in business.
Kent Moyer, CEO of the World Protection Group, noted this surge isn’t just a bump in demand but an “explosion.” With laws like Prop. 47 and no-cash bail policies, Moyer argues that criminals feel more empowered than ever.
The situation has been exacerbated by police reform movements such as “Defund the Police,” which, according to Moyer, has pushed many officers into early retirement, further straining an already stretched force.
As the LAPD continues to investigate this latest swatting incident, it serves as yet another reminder of the growing risks faced by both celebrities and the public in a city grappling with rising crime and emboldened criminal behavior.
