Chapter 230: Nanny-Gate

The scene was set at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Filippo, visiting from Rome, glanced at the wall clock and noted that his appointment time had not yet arrived. He settled in front of his computer, indulging in American celebrity news from various websites.

His partner, Simone, remarked, "The Hollywood awards season is in full swing."

Filippo inquired, "Do you think Vrad Pitt can secure the Oscar for Best Actor?"

Simone, in charge of the Brioni brand in Los Angeles, offered an objective perspective, "It's a tough call. Regardless of the Oscar, he's already one of the limited superstars in Hollywood."

Brioni, a renowned Italian luxury men's brand, was widely popular among politicians, businessmen, and celebrities. The brand had also been a sponsor for the Bond series, providing costumes for James Bond over the past decade.

However, when the previous spokesperson, Brosnan, left, Brioni sought a new face for the brand, someone who exuded elegance and intelligence that aligned with their brand positioning. Filippo's visit from Rome aimed to sign Brad Pitt as the global spokesperson.

Simone added, "The Avalon Bar incident made quite an impact on Pete, but he's weathered it, thanks to the reputation he's built over the years."

Filippo didn't seem concerned, saying, "It's common for celebrities to attract jealousy. I prefer American sweethearts like Aniston. They represent the everyday American and aren't the typical Brioni audience."

Simone didn't comment further and returned to reading the news on his laptop.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the study door, and Simone's assistant entered hurriedly.

Simone asked, "What's going on?"

The assistant lowered his voice, "Check the TMZ website. There's news about Brad Pitt."

At the mention of TMZ, Simone tensed. This website had first revealed the Avalon Bar incident involving Brad Pitt and Martin Davis. Since then, TMZ had gained a reputation for breaking shocking news with a near-perfect track record of authenticity.

Simone accessed the TMZ website and was greeted by a headline with a close-up image of Brad Pitt. The report detailed multiple domestic nannies accusing Brad Pitt of molestation, assault, and seduction.

Below the headline was a newly released video featuring the accusers.

The first person interviewed was a Latina woman with an unremarkable appearance. She began her testimony, "I worked for the Pitt family in 2002. At first, everything was normal, but over time, I sensed something was amiss. When the mistress wasn't at home, Brad Pitt constantly leered at me. About a month after I joined, Brad Pitt cornered me when the mistress was away shooting."

"He offered me $1,000 to sleep with him and insisted I kneel and serve him, but I refused. He threatened to fire me and reveal everything to my company if I didn't comply. He would have them notify all my colleagues in Los Angeles... Wuwu... I have three children to support, and my only skill is housekeeping. I couldn't afford to lose my job, so I reluctantly agreed. This relationship continued for a while, during which I discovered Brad Pitt's violent and erratic tendencies. He even harmed me on several occasions. I discreetly informed the mistress, who kindly gave me some money to leave."

The next accuser, a white nanny, had a similarly average appearance. She had been selected by the employer, but that hadn't deterred Pete's advances towards domestic nannies.

"Brad Pitt is a scoundrel. He used money to seduce me, pressured me with work, and pursued a relationship with me behind the mistress's back... I had no choice; I truly had no choice. I didn't agree, and he physically assaulted me! The mistress treated me very well, and I felt sorry for her, so I voluntarily resigned."

Two more videos featured female nannies making the same accusations. All of them used their real names.

Adjacent to these four videos was a larger window featuring a secret video recorded by one of the nannies during her encounter with Pitt. Although the video had no sound, it depicted Brad Pitt slapping the nanny before she knelt down.

Violent coercion!

Simone, based in Los Angeles, understood that Pitt was about to face a massive scandal. Even if it could be resolved eventually, his reputation would be severely tarnished.

He picked up his laptop and went to Filippo, showing him the videos. TMZ had just broken this news today.

Filippo reviewed the content, immediately grasped the gravity of the situation, and made a swift decision, "Brad Pitt's risk factor has suddenly shot up. We need to make changes and postpone meetings and endorsement negotiations with him..."

Simone agreed, "I concur. Let's monitor the situation for now."

Their assistant entered once more, announcing, "Brad Pitt and his agent are here."

Simone exchanged a look with Filippo, who thought for a moment before saying, "The matter is still developing; let's meet with them first."

The two of them proceeded downstairs and arrived at the business office on the fourth-floor living room.

Inside, Brad Pitt and his agent, Maggie Darkhill, awaited them.

Maggie was confident about the collaboration, stating, "Brioni is a top-tier brand among men's clothing brands, and this partnership will significantly boost your public image."

Brad Pitt, who nodded, seemed content with the annual endorsement fee of $7 million.

Maggie continued, "This sponsorship contract is being signed during a critical moment in the awards season. It will garner a lot of attention and could boost your chances of an Oscar nomination."

Brad Pitt wanted more, asking, "Just a nomination? I want to win that little gold man."

Maggie responded with a level-headed tone, "Winning the award is a challenging feat. Let's take it one step at a time. You'll have many opportunities in the future."

Brad Pitt thought about the members of the Academy, saying, "I'm not in a hurry; if it doesn't happen this year, we can try again next year."

Just as the conversation was unfolding, Filippo and Simeone entered the room.

Maggie got straight to the point, saying, "For this endorsement, Brioni has chosen Pete..."

Filippo cut her off, "Ms. Darkhill, Mr. Pitt, we have an internal matter within the company, and I must return to Rome immediately. Unfortunately, we'll have to postpone the endorsement contract for the time being. I apologize for this inconvenience."

Brad Pitt and Maggie were taken aback by this unexpected change. Maggie cautiously asked, "Do you know what happened?"

Simone replied vaguely, "Please allow us some time to deal with our internal affairs."

Brad Pitt was about to speak, but Maggie signaled him with her eyes to stay quiet. Clearly, something had disrupted the endorsement negotiation.

Filippo and Simone exchanged a few more words before Brad Pitt and Maggie left the room.

Heading downstairs, Brad Pitt expressed his frustration, "What's Brioni playing at? Are they toying with us?"

Maggie assured him, "I spoke with her this morning, and everything was normal. There must be a reason for this sudden change. Let me find out what's going on first."

Brad Pitt was visibly agitated, pacing with his hands on his hips, "They're not showing me the respect I deserve!"

As both of their phones rang simultaneously, they each answered their respective calls. After listening, they hung up almost simultaneously.

Maggie asked, "TMZ?"

Brad Pitt's face turned serious, "Yes."

Maggie inquired further, "What's happening?"

Brad Pitt, unwilling to disclose the full truth, gave a partial explanation, "Those domestic nannies sometimes try to seduce me. I'm not always strong enough to resist, and I've made some typical male mistakes."

He added, "I've provided them compensation and signed confidentiality agreements."

Maggie understood the gravity of the situation, "There's no use talking about it now. Call your publicist and have them meet at the company."

Given TMZ's reputation in the industry for breaking news, Maggie knew this was a significant problem, so she added, "And call your attorney too."

Brad Pitt made the calls as he followed Maggie out of the hotel. Just as they reached the parking area, a group of people approached them, led by a vaguely familiar figure.

Maggie tried to recall who the man was when he stopped several meters away and displayed his ID and legal documents. He then addressed Pete, "Mr. Brad Pitt, we've received reports from multiple women... You are now summoned to assist in an investigation."

He delivered this message routinely and gestured toward a nearby police car, "Mr. Pitt, please cooperate."

Brad Pitt, incensed, responded, "This is slander! You should be arresting them for defamation!"

The official remained firm, stating, "Please cooperate."

Maggie quickly read the procedures and understood that they had no choice but to comply. She advised Brad Pitt, "You go with them, and don't say anything until your lawyer arrives."

Brad Pitt followed the officials into the car, his face devoid of emotion, and was taken to the police station.

Nearby, five photojournalists from TMZ captured different angles of Brad Pitt being escorted into the police car, taking photographs and videos. After the police car departed, three of them followed on motorcycles, while the other two drove a car.

In the driver's seat of the car, Judy had already opened her laptop, connected it to the data cable, and instructed, "Hurry up and upload the pictures and articles. Keep it factual, and don't exaggerate."

One of the male subordinates took the laptop and began working without uttering a word.

On the fourth-floor business meeting room, Simone and Filippo, who had been discussing business matters, observed Brad Pitt being escorted into the police car by the LAPD.

Simone commented, "This matter seems to be around eighty percent true. The LAPD wouldn't summon someone of Pitt's stature without substantial evidence."

Filippo nodded, "The offer to have Brad Pitt as our spokesperson is off the table. Let me return to Rome, and you can consider other suitable candidates."

Simeone furrowed his brow, "There are only a few Hollywood superstars who fit our criteria. Leonardo has existing clothing endorsements, Johnny Depp doesn't align with our brand style, Will Smith is from a different demographic, George Clooney has a contract with Armani, and Keanu Reeves doesn't match our image."

Filippo reassured him, "Take your time; we'll find someone suitable."

This was an ordinary day in December, but it would soon become a day that caught the attention of people everywhere.

While other media outlets were still trying to verify the authenticity of "Nanny-gate," Brad Pitt was once again thrust into the headlines on TMZ.

This time, there were photos and videos of his arrest by the LAPD.

It sent shockwaves through Los Angeles!