“Get Ready for Lawsuit”: Viral AI Photo of JD Vance and Erika Kirk Draws Massive Backlash

A photograph circulating online purportedly showing Vice President JD Vance and Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, in an intimate embrace at a Turning Point USA event has sparked significant controversy, despite being a manipulated image.

The original event took place on Wednesday, October 29, at the University of Mississippi, where both Vance and Kirk delivered speeches. Following her address, Kirk hugged Vance as she exited the stage, with her hand resting on his head. This innocent gesture, however, was widely misconstrued on social media, spawning a torrent of satirical commentary. Notably, New York Times writer Shannon Watts jokingly suggested on X that Vance might divorce his wife to marry Kirk.

Amid the online banter, a user created an AI-generated image depicting Kirk standing atop a coffin—implied to be her late husband’s—with Vance embracing her. X’s AI chatbot, Grok, confirmed the photograph as fabricated. The image provoked intense backlash from supporters of Kirk, many of whom threatened legal action. Comments ranged from “Get ready for a lawsuit” to “More AI. Someone is gonna get sued.” Outrage escalated with users labeling the creator as “vile,” “poison with a sick black heart,” and condemning the act as reflective of poor character. Some reported the image for hate.

The individual behind the hoax, identified as ‘PauleyTicks’ on X, has a history of posting AI-generated content targeting conservative figures, including additional manipulated images of Vance and Kirk, such as one portraying them married atop Charlie Kirk’s casket with Vance standing on his wife’s back. These creations have been criticized as “tasteless and disgusting.”

The controversy also intersected with discussions surrounding Vance’s comments at the event about his interfaith marriage. When asked about his wife’s Hindu heritage, Vance remarked that he hoped his wife might one day be inspired by his Christian faith. This statement drew widespread criticism for imposing religious expectations within marriage.

The incident underscores the rapid spread and potential harm of AI-manipulated media, particularly when combined with social media speculation and satire.

Read More: Who is Aliyah’s Interlude AKA Aliyah Bah? Biography, Net Worth, Personal Life, & More