Russell Crowe erupts over ‘deep fake’ scam using his face and voice to flog properties in Malta: ‘It is obviously BS, don’t fall for it’
Russell Crowe has heavily criticized a ‘shonky’ property company in Malta for using a deepfake video of itself to flog properties.
The Australian Hollywood legend, 59, hit out at the “obviously fake” images and urged his followers not to be misled by them.
In the fake video, an unconvincing and grainy Crowe delivers a monologue praising the company’s new app, while poorly edited aerial clips of prime Maltese real estate roll in the background.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to share some fantastic news with you, especially for those of you in Malta or for anyone considering a move to this beautiful island,” says the fake Crowe.
The Hollywood legend, 59, lashed out at the ‘obviously fake’ images and urged his followers not to be fooled by them (pictured)
“I recently discovered an incredible tool that has truly made my house hunting experience seamless and enjoyable.”
Crowe went to X to close the video.
‘This is going around in Malta. It’s clearly fake BS, don’t fall for it,” he told his 2.9 million followers.
“What is also clear is that this service/company must be sleazy and underhanded to resort to this method of promoting itself.”
‘Block, report, ignore. I have never used this service and I do not endorse this BS.”
‘Swipelets’, the company behind the blatant counterfeit, seemed brazen.
“Excited to unveil our collaboration with the legendary Russell Crowe!” boasts the latest Instagram post, taken just ten hours ago.
‘Swipelets’, the company behind the blatant forgery, seemed unapologetic and boasted of their ‘partnership with the legendary Russell Crowe’
Crowe (pictured) stopped to take selfies with fans outside in the Maltese capital Valletta last June
‘Swipelets x Real Estate Agency Malta joins forces with the Gladiator himself and offers you unparalleled real estate experiences.
‘Stay tuned for exclusive listings and a touch of Hollywood magic!’
Daily Mail Australia approached the company for comment.
Crowe has long been a fan of Malta, a group of islands in the Mediterranean between Sicily and the coast of North Africa.
The Australian star rose to worldwide fame playing the lead role in Ridley Scott’s 2000 Gladiator, with many of the scenes filmed in Malta.
Last June he also performed with his band The Gentlemen Barbers in the capital Valletta.
At the time, he joked about making the tax haven his second home.
“You never know… there has been discussion about citizenship,” he told a news conference.