Jennifer Aniston Targeted in Swatting Hoax Alleging Suicide Threat

Jennifer Aniston experienced a terrifying wake-up call in the middle of the night when the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at her Bel-Air estate after receiving a disturbing prank call.

The 55-year-old “Friends” actor was startled at her $21 million home in California after police responded to an anonymous man’s call claiming a resident was in danger of self-harm.  The incident, which took place on September 20th, unfolded after the caller vaguely mentioned that his friend was “not doing well” and hinted ominously about “seeing him on the other side.”

Although the caller didn’t mention Aniston by name, the address he provided led officers straight to her mansion. Police arrived just after midnight and were greeted by surprised security personnel, who had no idea about the alleged emergency. Once officers discovered they were at Aniston’s residence, she reassured them that everything was fine, confirming she had no intention of harming herself.

This shocking incident was classified as “swatting,” a dangerous prank that has become quite popular in recent years.  This stunt happens when false emergency calls trigger a massive police response, typically at the homes of well-known people.  Aniston, joining the ranks of other celebrities such as Pharrell Williams, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna, has become the latest victim of this malicious trend, which can be deadly.  Though it did not involve celebs, one infamous swatting case occurred in 2017.  Videogamers upset over an online game made a swatting call, claiming their opponent had killed his father. As a result, the police arrived at the home and shot the man, who had not actually committed any crimes.  The swatters were sentenced to prison for this act.

The LAPD has since flagged Aniston’s home address and plans to coordinate with her security team in the future, should a similar situation arise again.  Meanwhile, the authorities are actively investigating the prank caller.