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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories A screenshot of the AI-generated deepfake.The Journal Connolly slams 'malicious' AI-generated deepfake claiming she dropped out of Presidential race The Áras hopeful described the fake video as a “disgraceful attempt to mislead voters and undermine our democracy.” 6.12pm, 22 Oct 2025 Share options CATHERINE CONNOLLY HAS condemned as “entirely false and malicious” a deepfake video circulating online that falsely claimed she had withdrawn from the presidential election. The video, which appeared last night on social media and mimicked an RTÉ Nine O’Clock News broadcast, purported to show presenter Sharon Ní Bheoláin announcing Connolly’s withdrawal, followed by AI-generated footage of Connolly appearing to confirm it herself. The fake segment later cut to fabricated clips of RTÉ political correspondent Paul Cunningham claiming the election had been cancelled and that Heather Humphreys would become president by default. The video, created using artificial intelligence tools, was viewed more than 160,000 times on Facebook before being taken down. It remains accessible on YouTube. “The video is a fabrication. It is a disgraceful attempt to mislead voters and undermine our democracy,” Connolly said in a statement. “I am absolutely still a candidate for President of Ireland,” she added. Advertisement “I will not be distracted and will continue my campaign in every county.” Her campaign has reported the footage to social media platforms and filed a formal complaint with the Electoral Commission, requesting its removal and clear labelling as fake. The Journal / YouTube Connolly urged the public not to share the video and to report it instead: “Disinformation has no place in Irish public life. The surest reply to lies is to vote.” Her team has also called on social media companies to take stronger action against AI-generated election content, including mandatory labelling and cooperation with authorities to identify those responsible. The deepfake is part of a wider wave of AI-generated political disinformation circulating during this election campaign. Other recent videos from fake “RTÉ News” accounts have shown fabricated newscasts encouraging voters to spoil their ballots or depicting Irish politicians in manipulated or defamatory scenarios. Experts have warned that the rise of realistic AI-generated imagery risks confusing the public and undermining trust in verified information ahead of polling day. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Andrew Walsh Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Connolly slams 'malicious' AI-generated deepfake claiming she dropped out of Presidential race”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Connolly slams 'malicious' AI-generated deepfake claiming she dropped out of Presidential race”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... 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