Crowe in Kidnap Plot: FBI

By Stephen M. Silverman

05/05/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

"Gladiator" Oscar nominee Russell Crowe, whose last role was that of a kidnap-hostage negotiator in "Proof of Life," has become the target of a real-life abduction plot, the FBI announced on Tuesday. No details of the case have been divulged (standard m.o. for the FBI), though Bureau spokeswoman Laura Bosley said that because various media reports had surfaced recently, "we have confirmed that we have an investigation into a plot to kidnap him." Crowe's publicist, Robin Baum, told Reuters, "We're aware of (the plot) and the FBI has been helpful in guiding us, and he (Crowe) has taken the necessary security precautions." TV's "Entertainment Tonight" reported that Crowe, 36, was first told of the plot by the FBI prior to last Jan. 21's Golden Globe Awards and that he attended the ceremony flanked by FBI agents outfitted in tuxedos. Bosley declined to say whether or not the New Zealand-born actor had received FBI protection, but said, "He has his own security, and I understand that's been increased."