By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Chris Cuomo, a NewsNation host, shared a widely-circulated AI-generated “deepfake” video parodying Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which he criticized without recognizing the video’s artificial nature. After being called out by Ocasio-Cortez for the misinformation, Cuomo deleted the post but doubled down on his criticism, further fueling online mockery. His actions, including a non-apology on air, drew criticism for his handling of the situation and his focus on the congresswoman rather than acknowledging his mistake. The controversy is viewed as a significant blunder for Cuomo, who was previously fired from CNN, and highlights his strained relationship with Ocasio-Cortez, as well as his brother’s primary defeat.
Read the original article here
Chris Cuomo mocked for response after falling for deepfake AOC video. This is a situation where the internet collectively face-palmed, and honestly, it’s hard to blame them. The story revolves around Chris Cuomo, once a prominent news anchor, falling for a rather obvious deepfake video of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The video was, to put it mildly, ridiculous, depicting AOC saying outlandish things in a setting that made zero sense. The subsequent response from Cuomo, however, is what truly ignited the firestorm of criticism.
Chris Cuomo’s reaction was the real kicker. Instead of admitting error, apologizing, or, you know, simply staying silent, he essentially doubled down. He used the deepfake as a springboard to criticize AOC, even though the content he was criticizing was entirely fabricated. The consensus seems to be that this wasn’t an accidental slip-up, but a deliberate move to capitalize on the deepfake and further his own agenda. The comments about him indicate a widespread belief that he has a personal vendetta against AOC. Many observers think that he was looking for a way to take a shot at her, regardless of the accuracy of the source.
The criticism wasn’t just about the fact that he fell for the deepfake; it was about his reasoning. People were quick to point out how the video was clearly generated by AI, and that any journalist worth their salt should have been able to identify it as such. The specific scenario within the deepfake also raised eyebrows. It painted AOC in a ludicrous light, and the language used was so far removed from her public persona that it should have immediately raised red flags. The irony is that he’s been critiqued about journalistic integrity issues for years, and this situation certainly didn’t help his reputation.
Furthermore, the comments highlight the fact that Cuomo’s actions are perceived as a symptom of a larger problem: the erosion of trust in media. Some argue that the constant barrage of misinformation, amplified by the rapid spread of AI-generated content, is making it harder for people to discern fact from fiction. In this case, the fact that a former news anchor fell for such a blatant fake doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in the ability of the media to separate truth from nonsense. The response also seems to suggest that this incident is illustrative of Cuomo’s perceived descent into irrelevance. His actions have become fodder for online mockery, suggesting he’s now seen by some as a punchline rather than a trusted voice.
A lot of the commentary focused on the personal aspect, especially the perceived bias and the political implications. Many people believe that Cuomo has a specific political agenda and is therefore willing to bend the truth to fit his narrative. Several commenters discussed the history of both Cuomos, mentioning controversies and suggesting that this incident is simply another chapter in a larger pattern of questionable behavior. The reaction was extremely critical of his journalistic integrity. It seems many people view this as an example of the kinds of behaviors that have damaged trust in journalism.
There was also speculation about his future trajectory. Given the direction he seems to be heading, some are even speculating about a potential party switch, with the implication that he’s trying to court a different audience. The overall sentiment seems to be that his credibility is shot, and that his attempts to use the deepfake as a political tool have backfired spectacularly. His reputation is being questioned.
The prevailing conclusion seems to be that Cuomo, instead of owning up to his mistake, chose a path that only amplified the damage. It’s not just about the deepfake itself; it’s about the lack of self-awareness, the perceived agenda, and the overall erosion of trust that the incident has exposed. The consensus: a classic example of how not to handle a public relations disaster, further cementing his image as someone out of touch and untrustworthy.