George Clooney Jokes About CGI Role in Louvre Heist Drama

George Clooney has playfully suggested that he should be digitally inserted into a video of the recent Louvre jewelry heist. The actor, known for his role in the heist film series “Ocean’s 11,” made the comments while promoting his latest film, “Jay Kelly,” in Los Angeles on March 7, 2025. Clooney noted the comparisons being drawn between the heist and the ongoing scandal involving NBA sports betting, stating, “We also got compared to the Louvre heist. I think you should CGI me into that basket coming out of the Louvre.”

The incident at the Louvre, one of the world’s most-visited museums, involved thieves who used a basket lift to access the museum’s facade. They forced a window, smashed display cases, and stole priceless Napoleonic jewels. The heist has garnered significant media attention, particularly due to its dramatic execution.

NBA Scandal Unfolds

Just as the art world was reeling from the Louvre heist, the sports world faced its own upheaval. On March 6, 2025, authorities arrested over 30 individuals, including Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Terry Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat. The arrests were part of a crackdown on two extensive gambling operations that allegedly leaked insider information about NBA players and rigged poker games associated with organized crime.

Billups has been charged with conspiracy to fix high-stakes card games linked to La Cosa Nostra, a notorious organized crime syndicate. The scheme reportedly cheated unsuspecting gamblers out of at least $7 million. Rozier faces accusations of utilizing privileged information about players to gain an advantage in betting on NBA games.

Clooney expressed sympathy for those involved in the gambling scandal, noting, “We’ve never had a moment in our history that we didn’t have some dumb scandal or something crazy.” He lamented that the gambling story overshadowed significant basketball events, stating, “I feel very bad for the gambling scandal ’cause this was on the night that we had some amazing basketball happen.” His comments reflect a sentiment shared by many fans and commentators alike, who are hoping for a swift resolution to the issues plaguing the sport.

As both the Louvre heist and the NBA scandal continue to unfold, Clooney’s lighthearted remarks serve as a reminder of the pervasive nature of high-profile crimes in popular culture. With both incidents capturing public attention, the intersection of art, crime, and sports remains a topic of intrigue.