Renowned Haitian-American actress Garcelle Beauvais has recounted what she called the most frightening experience of her life after becoming the victim of a swatting incident at her Los Angeles home.
The dangerous hoax prompted an armed police response at her home, based on a false emergency report.
Speaking on ABC’s Good Morning America, Beauvais described how the incident unfolded late in the evening while she was at home alone.
“It was the scariest thing that ever happened to me,” she said, recalling that it was around 9:30 p.m. and she was already in her pajamas, preparing for bed after what she described as a peaceful day.
According to Beauvais, the calm was abruptly shattered when helicopters began circling overhead, and police officers swarmed her street. Using bullhorns, officers ordered her to exit the house. She said she came outside with her hands raised as weapons and rifles were pointed in her direction.
“I’m screaming, ‘I’m alone, I’m the homeowner,’” Beauvais told the program. Despite complying with commands, she said she was handcuffed and patted down once she reached officers, who informed her that their actions were “protocol.”
Beauvais said police questioned her about whether she had weapons in the house, which she denied. “I don’t live like that,” she said, stressing the shock and confusion of being treated as a potential threat in her own home.
The actress expressed deep relief that her children were not present during the incident.
“I’m just so happy my boys weren’t home,” she said, noting that the situation could have been far more traumatic had they witnessed it.
Swatting involves making a false report to law enforcement—often claiming a violent crime is underway—intended to provoke a heavy police response. Authorities have repeatedly warned that such hoaxes can result in serious injury or death, both for targets and responding officers.
Beauvais condemned the practice as reckless and dangerous, particularly when some perpetrators treat it as a joke. She stressed that swatting not only places innocent lives at risk but also wastes critical police resources.
Since sharing her story, Beauvais said she has received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues. Her account adds to growing concerns over the rise of swatting incidents targeting celebrities and public figures, renewing calls for tougher penalties and increased awareness of the real-world dangers posed by false emergency reports.
