Luke Ford, a 35-year-old Scottish man known for serving as a body double for Hollywood star Brad Pitt, was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment by the High Court in Edinburgh for multiple charges, including rape and other forms of sexual abuse. According to the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service, Ford preyed on women he met on dating apps over the course of 12 years, subjecting them to severe physical and sexual abuse.
Among the shocking details presented during the trial, Ford engaged in violent acts such as strangling and violently slapping his victims. He even smashed one partner's head against a car window and resorted to blackmail, threatening to share explicit photos of his victims with their families or employers. "Ford is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator," remarked Detective Inspector Steven Gray of the Scottish Police. "I hope knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives."
Ford's conviction included 19 counts and marked the first known conviction for 'stealthing' in Scotland—defined as the act of not using protection during sex without the partner's knowledge or consent, categorically classified as rape. One of the victims, who met Ford on Tinder back in 2017, shared her traumatic experience. She had explicitly handed Ford a condom and insisted he use it to prevent pregnancy, only to discover later he had ignored her request. "I was shocked and upset," she recounted, adding, "I would not have had sex with him without a condom. I asked him to leave. I felt completely violated." After confronting Ford, he dismissed her concerns as "paranoid" and told her to take emergency contraceptive pills.
Ford hails from Stirling, Scotland, where he sought fame through acting. He had earned attention for playing Pitt's body double during the filming of the 2013 movie World War Z in Glasgow. This connection led some of his victims to feel awestruck, as one victim remarked, "He genuinely thought he was going to be the next Brad Pitt." Despite multiple stunt doubles, Ford led them to believe he was Pitt's one-and-only, using this façade as part of his manipulative tactics.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, another victim described him as a "master manipulator." "I would say it’s taken me a long time to get over what happened and say life is good now," she said, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of his actions on her mental health. Throughout the court proceedings, Ford's demeanor raised eyebrows; his inflated self-image and belief of attaining stardom stood at odds with the reality of his criminal behavior, painting the picture of someone who was disconnected from the impact of his offenses.
This case not only highlights the horrific acts committed by Ford but also sheds light on the pressing issue of sexual violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims. The legal definition and recognition of stealthing as a crime signals progress within the judicial system, addressing the nuanced nature of consent and the violations frequently overlooked. Such cases bring to the forefront the often blurred lines surrounding consent, reminding society of the importance of clear communication and mutual respect.
While Ford must now serve his time, the community and victims affected will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the aftermath of his crimes. Those who have been sexually assaulted are urged to seek help, with resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline available at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online through rainn.org.
