Simone Biles Caught in AI-Generated Misinformation Storm: The Dark Side of Digital Fame
For most of her career, Simone Biles has controlled the narrative surrounding her greatness. With an astounding 11 Olympic medals, 30 World Championship titles, and a legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history, she has spent years mastering balance—on the beam, in the air, and under the public eye. However, maintaining that balance becomes increasingly difficult when digital misinformation distorts reality.
Recently, Biles has become the center of an unsettling wave of AI-generated misinformation, not because of a groundbreaking new skill, but due to fabricated pregnancy rumors featuring herself and her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens.
AI-Generated Falsehoods Take Over Facebook
The controversy erupted after a Reddit user shared their disturbing experience of encountering AI-generated content on Facebook. The user, who was searching for a family member’s obituary, was unexpectedly shown multiple posts falsely congratulating Biles and Owens on an alleged pregnancy.
According to the post, these were not just text-based rumors but digitally altered images. “They shopped a baby bump on her,” the user revealed. “One even showed her in a hospital holding a newborn.” The user described the experience as “so creepy and invasive and icky,” sentiments that quickly gained traction among gymnastics fans.
Many voiced their frustration over Facebook’s role in spreading misinformation. One commenter emphasized the need to abandon Meta-owned platforms, stating, “May I just repeat that this is so creepy and invasive and icky, one of the million reasons we all need to ditch FB/IG/Threads.”
A History of Invasive Speculation
Since marrying Jonathan Owens in 2023, Biles has been the subject of constant speculation. Whether it’s pregnancy rumors or debates over her fashion choices, online discussions frequently spiral out of control.
One such incident occurred in December 2023 when Biles attended a Green Bay Packers game at MetLife Stadium. She wore an oversized army jacket, a form-fitting brown jumpsuit, and a beanie featuring her husband’s jersey number.
After sharing photos from the game on Instagram, speculation exploded. Commenters fixated on her outfit, posture, and the way the fabric folded, fueling rumors that she was pregnant. The speculation became so widespread that Biles felt compelled to shut it down herself.
By December 13, she addressed the situation directly on her Instagram Stories: “I hate that I even have to address this, but please stop commenting on this photo or my Instagram in general about me being ‘pregnant.’ I’m not pregnant.”
AI: A Growing Threat to Athletes’ Privacy
This recent incident highlights a growing issue in sports: AI-generated misinformation is becoming an invisible opponent that even the world’s fastest and most skilled athletes can’t escape.
Biles isn’t the first athlete to be targeted. Former Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin also found himself at the center of AI-driven deception.
A video surfaced featuring what appeared to be Gatlin analyzing Usain Bolt’s career. The voice in the clip, which sounded just like him, critiqued Bolt’s running form, calling out supposed flaws and questioning his dominance.
The manipulated voice stated:
> “Usain Bolt wasn’t as unbeatable as everyone makes him out to be. His top-end speed was incredible, but his starts and form weren’t perfect. He was fast and dominant when he was in full flight, but if you break it down, there are flaws in his races.”
Fans believed it was Gatlin himself making these claims. However, the video was a complete fabrication.
“That ain’t me, bro! That’s AI Justin,” Gatlin clarified on his Ready Set Go podcast. His co-host, Rodney Green, was shocked. “It sounds like you! But I don’t remember you ever giving this take,” Green said in disbelief.
Even Gatlin himself was taken aback by how realistic the AI-generated clip was. “Listen boy, where AI live at? I’m about to pull up on AI, dog. That’s crazy!” he exclaimed, highlighting the unsettling nature of the technology.
The Price of Fame in the Digital Age
Whether it’s Simone Biles, Justin Gatlin, or any other high-profile athlete, AI-driven misinformation is quickly becoming one of the biggest threats to their privacy and public image. The question now is whether this invasion of privacy is an inevitable part of fame or if people should start respecting that athletes, at their core, are human beings like everyone else.
As digital technology continues to evolve, the conversation around ethical AI use, media responsibility, and online privacy is more crucial than ever.