What is swatting? ‘Friends’ star Jennifer Anniston targeted by pranksters

Jennifer Aniston is the latest celebrity to fall victim to a swatting incident. According to multiple reports, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department entered the 55-year-old actress’s Bel-Air mansion early last Friday morning, September 20, after receiving an anonymous emergency call.

The 911 caller provided Aniston’s address and requested a welfare check, claiming his friend was “not feeling well” and had threatened to take his own life. However, the caller did not specify that the address belonged to Aniston or reveal the name of the supposed friend, which led to authorities arriving unexpectedly at the residence of the TV star best known for playing Rachel Green on Friends.

Initial reports indicate that police tried to enter the property late in the evening but were stopped by the actress’s security team, who were puzzled by the officers’ arrival. After a brief conversation with the guards and speaking directly with Aniston, the officers determined it was a false alarm—an instance of “swatting,” a dangerous prank involving fake emergency calls.

What is Swatting?

Swatting involves making a false report to emergency services, often claiming a serious crime, to prompt a heavy police response at the target’s home. In this case, the false 911 call that led to police being dispatched to Aniston’s residence is being treated as an illegal act.

Aniston isn’t the first celebrity to be targeted by swatting. Stars like Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj have also experienced unexpected visits from authorities due to similar hoaxes.

For now, Jennifer Aniston has not publicly commented on the incident.