LOS ANGELES – Podcaster Bobbi Althoff addressed her recent surge in online attention following the circulation of alleged deepfake images of her.
“To set the record straight, the reason I’m trending has nothing to do with me; it’s entirely AI-generated,” Althoff clarified in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
A leaked video appearing to feature someone resembling Althoff engaged in explicit behavior surfaced online, prompting widespread warnings against viewing it and calls for protective action in support of the host of “The Really Good Podcast.”
“I regret searching ‘bobbi althoff leaks’ on the GIFs tab. Worst mistake ever,” lamented one individual on X.
“This situation with Bobbi Althoff touches on a broader issue I’ve been thinking about lately—the need to question the authenticity of everything we encounter,” voiced another.
Earlier this month, Althoff announced her divorce from her husband of four years, coinciding with Drake’s appearance on her podcast, sparking speculation about their relationship.
The 26-year-old gained fame on social media for her candid interviews with celebrities like Lil Yachty and Keke Palmer, amassing over 5 million TikTok followers and 500,000 YouTube subscribers where she hosts her podcast episodes.
Althoff joins a growing list of online personalities targeted by deepfake pornography.
The recent incident draws parallels to a fake AI advertisement featuring Taylor Swift that went viral in January, promoting Le Creuset cookware on social media with a manipulated version of her image and voice.
AI expert Marva Bailer commented on the ethical implications, noting that while AI may have been used, humans ultimately decide to risk their reputation and consumer trust by endorsing unauthorized content.
Last year, Tom Hanks warned his fans about a scam involving his likeness in a promotional video for a dental plan.
Actress Scarlett Johansson plans to take legal action against an AI image-generating app for using her voice and likeness in an unauthorized ad.
The proposed “No Fakes Act,” introduced by a bipartisan group of senators in October, aims to establish federal rights over one’s image and voice, allowing individuals to control digital replicas for up to 70 years after their death, with penalties including fines and economic damages for violations.
