Catherine Connolly deepfake video — Nov 2026

During the 2025 Irish presidential election, an AI-generated video circulated on social media that falsely depicted presidential candidate Catherine Connolly announcing her withdrawal from the race. The fabrication was part of a broader trend of using synthetic media to exert political influence and mislead voters during high-stakes campaigns. Despite the attempt to disrupt her candidacy through this deceptive content, the video was widely debunked, and Connolly ultimately went on to win the presidential election.

What happened

The incident involved the creation and dissemination of a deepfake video designed to mimic a legitimate campaign announcement. By simulating the candidate's appearance and voice, the perpetrators aimed to create the false impression that Connolly had abandoned her bid for the presidency. This case serves as a prominent example of how generative artificial intelligence can be weaponized to spread disinformation during electoral processes. While the fabrication was successfully identified and refuted, it highlights the ongoing challenge of distinguishing between authentic political communications and AI-generated manipulations in the digital age.