From Newsweek · Matt Audilet · · 1m 20s
Arch Manning apologizes for AI video joke
A locker room laugh about a fake video of his coach slapping a reporter turned into a public apology in 24 hours.
In brief
A locker room laugh about a fake video of his coach slapping a reporter turned into a public apology in 24 hours. Laughing at an AI fake still puts your name on the harm it does to a real person. Originally reported by Newsweek.
A joke that needed walking back
Texas quarterback Arch Manning posted a public apology Tuesday for what he called an insensitive comment made to reporters the day before.
What he laughed at
He was asked about an AI video showing head coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe in the face after Texas beat Ohio State.
His words on Monday
Manning volunteered the clip himself in the press conference, asked reporters if they had seen it, and called it hilarious.
“I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview. Have y'all seen that one? That's a good one... of him slapping Holly Rowe.”
The backlash arrived fast
Criticism built overnight and Manning took to Instagram the next day to address it directly.
No hiding behind intent
He refused the usual excuse, writing that there is nothing funny about the video and that his words hurt people regardless of what he meant.
“It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people.”
An apology aimed at Rowe
Manning singled out Holly Rowe for what she dealt with because of him, thanked her for showing him grace, and said he needs to be better.
“I need to be better and will be more thoughtful moving forward.”
The one thing
Laughing at an AI fake still puts your name on the harm it does to a real person.
