Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has become the subject of a series of manipulated videos circulating on social media platforms, which use artificial intelligence technology to create false and misleading footage of the politician. The videos depict Adams making a range of unfounded claims, including a fabricated declaration that he is "Jesus Christ" and issuing bizarre statements on political and social issues.
One of the videos shows a digitally altered Adams standing inside a church, delivering a speech in which he purportedly identifies himself as "the son of God" and announcing plans to introduce a new Libertarian constitution. The footage further includes statements predicting drastic policy changes, such as deportations of minorities in California and the incarceration of police officers—claims that are entirely fabricated and lack any basis in reality.
The manipulated content is believed to have originated from AI-generated tools developed in China, which have been used to create these distorted portrayals designed to misinform and confuse viewers. Other videos featuring the AI-generated Adams show him offering everyday advice such as cooking tips or endorsing rare stones, further adding to the disorienting nature of the online material.
These deepfake videos highlight growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence technology to produce false information and influence public perception. Experts warn that such content can erode trust in public figures and contribute to the spread of misinformation. Efforts to identify the sources and limit the distribution of AI-generated fake videos remain ongoing as authorities and technology companies grapple with the challenge posed by emerging digital manipulation techniques.
