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 circulated rapidly on X (formerly known as Twitter), garnering so much traction that 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 Met Gala deepfakes. Rihanna, another notable absentee, appeared in social media images donning an intricate outfit at the event. Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga also had their likenesses manipulated and shared widely online.
The Power of Generative AI
The proliferation of these deepfakes can be attributed to the increasing accessibility and sophistication of generative artificial intelligence (AI). This technology enables users to effortlessly create and disseminate realistic images of virtually anything, making high-profile events like the Met Gala prime targets for its application. Fans seized the opportunity to digitally dress their favorite stars, like Katy Perry and Rihanna, in outfits of their own design.
As the lines between reality and digital manipulation continue to blur, the Met Gala 2023 served as a stark reminder of the growing influence of deepfakes in popular culture. With celebrities becoming unwitting subjects of AI-generated content, it raises questions about the authenticity of online media and the potential implications for public figures in the era of advanced technology.
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Deepfakes at the Met Gala? Now that’s a show on its own!