Viral Met Gala Deepfakes Flood Social Media Platforms

Met Gala 2023: The Rise of Celebrity Deepfakes

The Met Gala, one of the most prestigious fashion events of the year, has always been a magnet for celebrity appearances and stunning outfits. However, the 2023 edition saw a new trend emerge: deepfakes of celebrities who didn’t even attend the event.

Katy Perry’s Viral Deepfake

Katy Perry, the renowned pop star, found herself at the center of attention despite not being present at the Met Gala. Images of Perry in a striking ensemble quickly spread across X (formerly known as Twitter), garnering so much traction that even the singer herself couldn’t resist liking the posts.

Why does Katy Perry’s Met Gala photo look like an AI-generated image and not an actual shot? Because Katy Perry didn’t attend the event at all.

Other Celebrities Targeted by Deepfakes

Katy Perry wasn’t the only celebrity to fall victim to the deepfake phenomenon. Rihanna, another notable absentee from the event, appeared in social media images wearing an intricate outfit at the Met Gala. Faked photos of Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga also made their rounds on the internet.

The Power of Generative AI

The reason behind the proliferation of these deepfakes is clear: generative artificial intelligence has become an accessible tool for creating and sharing all kinds of images, regardless of the occasion. The Met Gala, with its high-profile guest list and extravagant fashion, presented the perfect opportunity for AI enthusiasts to showcase their skills. Fans seized the chance to digitally dress their favorite stars, like Katy Perry and Rihanna, in outfits of their own design.

As the use of generative AI continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more instances of celebrity deepfakes in the future. While these images can be entertaining and showcase the potential of AI technology, they also raise questions about the blurring lines between reality and digital manipulation in the public sphere.