Angelina Jolie has reportedly been caught up in a major data leak after a security researcher uncovered an exposed database linked to the Tribeca Festival.
The Oscar-winning actress was among a host of A-list names whose contact information was reportedly included in hundreds of thousands of records that had been left publicly accessible.
According to cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, a database containing 666,369 records was discovered online, with files dating from 2019 to 2026.
Hollywood stars affected
Alongside Angelina, a number of other high-profile names were reportedly included in the exposed records, including Jennifer Lawrence, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Rami Malek, Eva Mendes, Michael J. Fox, Ron Howard and Guillermo del Toro.
Jeremiah said he discovered the unsecured database while conducting routine searches for exposed online storage.
Speaking to Variety, he explained: “I’ve been a security researcher for about 15 years and I’m always looking for exposed data.”
“I’ve used a lot of different APIs and tools. This one I found using an IoT search engine, which is basically Google for websites but for connected devices like nanny cams, medical equipment or cloud storage databases.”
© Christopher PolkWhat information was exposed?
While the majority of the database reportedly consisted of marketing materials, press kits and other promotional content, Fowler said one backup file contained a folder labelled “contacts” with more than 13,500 entries.
The records allegedly included names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses linked to prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
However, Jeremiah noted that not every listing contained complete personal information, with some entries instead listing assistants, managers or publicists rather than the celebrities themselves.
© WireImageTribeca responds
The Tribeca Festival has since addressed the reports, stressing that the breach did not expose celebrities’ private personal contact details.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “None of the talent referenced in recent reporting had personal contact information disclosed.”
“The vast majority of the information consisted of public-facing business contact information, including PR representatives, talent representatives, front office email addresses, information from the Festival website, and other information that was already publicly available.”
The statement added that all exposed information “was removed promptly upon discovery.”
© WireImageA landmark festival
The Tribeca Festival was co-founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2002 in an effort to help revitalise Lower Manhattan following the September 11 attacks.
Since then, it has become one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious annual events, hosting world premieres for major films and television series while attracting many of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Although festival organisers have sought to reassure those affected that sensitive personal information was not publicly disclosed, the incident has once again highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity and data protection for high-profile public figures.
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