Why bizarre AI cover of Spencer Pratt and LA mayoral rival sparked fury at Los Angeles magazine…

Los Angeles Magazine released a cover for its Special Election Issue featuring an AI-generated image of mayoral candidates Nithya Raman and Spencer Pratt, stirring controversy. The image, reportedly created by the magazine's co-owner Mark Geragos, led to internal conflict and external criticism.

What happened

The AI-generated cover depicted Raman and Pratt posing together with a burning Los Angeles hill and a Ghana flag in the background. Pratt was shown wearing a garbage can pendant, while Raman's jewelry had a "DSA" charm. The magazine stated the cover was created after the candidates declined to pose together. The image was met with criticism online, with some questioning the use of AI when real photos could have been used. The magazine defended the cover as a commentary on Los Angeles's political reality.