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Arch Manning apologizes for laughing about AI-generated video of Steve Sarkisian hitting reporter Holly Rowe
Confirmed
In Short: Texas quarterback Arch Manning has apologized for his comments about an AI-generated video that featured his coach Steve Sarkisian and ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, following backlash from the incident.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning has apologized for his comments about an AI-generated video that featured his coach Steve Sarkisian and ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, following backlash from the incident. The video, which showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe, was widely criticized on social media.
Manning initially called the video 'hilarious' during a press conference on Monday, but later issued a social media apology, stating, 'In my press conference yesterday, I made an incentive comment about an AI video.
According to reports, the AI-generated video was a fictional depiction of a postgame interaction between Sarkisian and Rowe, which ended with the journalist being struck in the face. A UT spokesperson told The Athletic that technical difficulties were a factor in the awkward exchange between Sarkisian and Rowe following Texas's win over Ohio State.
Rowe accepted Manning's apology on Tuesday, posting on X: 'Apology accepted.' The incident has sparked debate, with some users defending Manning and arguing that the exchange was misunderstood, while others condemned his comments.
What's confirmed
- Texas quarterback Arch Manning has apologized for his comments about an AI-generated video that featured his coach Steve Sarkisian and ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, following backlash from the incident. The video, which showed Sarkisian slapping Rowe, was widely criticized on social media.
- Manning initially called the video 'hilarious' during a press conference on Monday, but later issued a social media apology, stating, 'In my press conference yesterday, I made an incentive comment about an AI video.
- According to reports, the AI-generated video was a fictional depiction of a postgame interaction between Sarkisian and Rowe, which ended with the journalist being struck in the face. A UT spokesperson told The Athletic that technical difficulties were a factor in the awkward exchange between Sarkisian and Rowe following Texas's win over Ohio State.
- Rowe accepted Manning's apology on Tuesday, posting on X: 'Apology accepted.' The incident has sparked debate, with some users defending Manning and arguing that the exchange was misunderstood, while others condemned his comments.
What's still developing
- Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) leaves the field after beating Texas State at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sep.
- Due to the violence depicted in the fake video, both Manning’s comments and the subsequent reaction of reporters were denounced by many on social media.
- Rowe posted Tuesday afternoon on X: "Apology accepted." Texas (2-0) will play UTSA (2-0) at home on Saturday night.
- Manning, 22, was riffing with reporters during an availability on Monday and was asked about seeing clips of the mayhem following Texas's historic win over No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday.
- "I saw a few AI edits but that's about it," Manning said with a laugh on Monday.
- ESPN issued a public apology to Sarkisian via Rutledge at the start of the third quarter, shouldering the blame for the technical issues.
- One reporter asked about whether he saw any of the AI edits going around social media.