Holly Rowe deepfake video — Oct 2024

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning issued a public apology on October 22, 2024, following backlash regarding his reaction to an AI-generated video. During a press conference held on Monday, Manning laughed while discussing a manipulated clip that depicted head coach Steve Sarkisian hitting ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.

What happened

The AI-generated video in question shows coach Steve Sarkisian standing with Holly Rowe on a football field, at which point he slaps her and flees as she falls to the ground. During a media session following a game against Ohio State, Manning referenced the clip, calling it a "good one" and "hilarious," which prompted laughter from members of the press. This interaction quickly sparked online controversy, with critics arguing that Manning was trivializing violence against women.

In response to the criticism, Manning posted an apology to his Instagram story the following day, stating that his comments were insensitive and hurtful. He expressed regret for his actions and specifically apologized to Holly Rowe. Rowe later acknowledged the apology on Instagram, stating that she accepted it and that the matter would remain private.

Advocates have noted the broader implications of such content. Heather Bellino, CEO of the Texas Advocacy Project, warned that media depicting violence against women, including AI-generated material, can numb society to real-world violence and potentially discourage victims from seeking help. Kim Villanueva, president of the National Organization for Women, noted that laughing at such depictions signals that violence against women is not being taken seriously, though she commended Manning for taking responsibility for his mistake.