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In a bizarre development sweeping across social media platforms, an AI-generated image purporting to show Vice President JD Vance embracing Erika Kirk while she stands on a coffin has been widely circulated and mistaken for an authentic photograph.
The fabricated image, which began spreading in November 2025, depicts the widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk in an embrace with Vice President Vance while seemingly standing atop a coffin during a public appearance. The manipulated content quickly gained traction on multiple platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Threads, Reddit, and Facebook, where thousands shared it as genuine.
Digital forensics experts have confirmed the image is entirely artificial. The fabrication appears to have originated from social media accounts with the handles @PaulleyTicks and Tom.Adelsbach, which appear to belong to the same individual operating across different platforms. The earliest version identified by fact-checkers was posted by the Tom Adelsbach Facebook account, which did include a disclaimer identifying it as a “digitally altered photo #parody,” though this disclaimer was lost as the image spread.
The Adelsbach Facebook profile explicitly labels itself as satire/parody, with a bio reading “Changing the world by any ‘memes’ necessary,” and links to a Buy Me a Coffee fundraising page. The account subsequently posted multiple variations of the same falsified scenario.
The manipulated image was created by altering footage from a genuine interaction between Kirk and Vance during a Turning Point USA event on October 29, 2025. Video documentation of this event, available online, shows the two did share a brief hug on stage around the 29-minute mark, but no coffin was present.
Several technical inconsistencies betray the image’s artificial origin. Close examination reveals text errors in the backdrop, including the word “Vice” missing from Vance’s introduction and “president” misspelled with an additional “E.” The Turning Point USA logo appears without its distinctive arrow in the red portion of the circle, and the Fox News “channel” text at the bottom of the screen is garbled—a telltale sign of AI-generated imagery.
The fabricated image appears designed to inflame ongoing baseless rumors about Kirk and Vance. Following Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025, unfounded speculation about a romantic relationship between his widow and the Vice President began circulating online, particularly intensifying after their public hug at the October 29 event.
Media literacy experts point to this incident as part of a concerning trend of increasingly sophisticated AI-generated imagery being deployed in political contexts. “What makes these fabrications particularly dangerous is how they exploit real events and existing tensions,” said Dr. Marcia Hernandez, director of the Digital Media Research Center. “They’re designed to create emotional reactions that override critical thinking.”
This incident highlights the growing challenge of verifying visual information in an era of advanced AI tools. Social media platforms continue struggling to effectively label or limit the spread of synthetic media, particularly when images are stripped of their original context or disclaimers.
The Kirk-Vance fabrication is one of several AI-generated images that have targeted political figures in recent months, reflecting the increasing weaponization of synthetic media during periods of political transition and heightened public emotion.
Fact-checking organizations urge social media users to verify images through multiple sources, particularly those depicting politically charged or emotionally provocative scenarios, and to maintain heightened skepticism toward visual content that emerges during periods of political tension.
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14 Comments
It’s disheartening to see how quickly this fabricated image spread, even with a disclaimer. The proliferation of misinformation online is a major challenge we need to address head-on. Improved media literacy education could help combat this issue.
You make a good point. Educating the public on identifying manipulated media and verifying sources is crucial. Platforms also have a responsibility to curb the spread of disinformation.
This kind of manipulated imagery is a worrying trend. It’s a good thing digital forensics experts were able to debunk the false image. We need stronger safeguards against the creation and dissemination of synthetic media.
I agree. Technological advances like AI are a double-edged sword – they can be used to create convincing fakes that undermine truth and trust. Robust fact-checking protocols are essential.
This story highlights the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when it comes to online content. While the image was debunked, the initial rapid spread demonstrates how easily misinformation can take hold. We must remain vigilant and skeptical of unverified claims.
Agreed. The ability to quickly create and disseminate synthetic media is a major threat to truth and democracy. Robust safeguards and media literacy initiatives will be essential going forward.
This story is a sobering reminder of the dangers of AI-generated misinformation. While the image was debunked, the initial spread demonstrates how easily falsehoods can take hold online. We must be vigilant and double-check sources, especially around sensitive political topics.
Well said. The proliferation of manipulated media is a major threat to truth and public discourse. Fact-checking, media literacy, and platform accountability will all be essential in the fight against digital deception.
Very interesting. It’s concerning to see the spread of AI-generated disinformation, even with disclaimers. We need to be vigilant about verifying the authenticity of online content, especially around sensitive political topics.
Absolutely. The ease with which misinformation can spread online is alarming. Fact-checking and media literacy are crucial skills for navigating the digital landscape.
It’s alarming to see how quickly this fabricated image gained traction, even with a disclaimer. The proliferation of misinformation online is a serious issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. Fact-checking, media literacy, and platform accountability will all be crucial.
Absolutely. The speed at which disinformation can spread is staggering. Strengthening our defenses against synthetic media and bolstering critical thinking skills will be key to combating this challenge.
The rapid spread of this fabricated image, even with a disclaimer, is concerning. It highlights the urgent need for improved media literacy and more robust safeguards against the creation and dissemination of synthetic media. Preserving trust in information sources is crucial for a healthy democracy.
I agree completely. The ease with which misinformation can spread online is a serious challenge. Combating this issue will require a multifaceted approach, including stronger platform policies, better user education, and continued investment in digital forensics.