Arch Manning, the University of Texas quarterback, announced his apology following social media backlash for laughing at an AI-generated video that showed his team’s coach, Steve Sarkisian, hitting Holly Rowe, an ESPN reporter.
Details of the Incident
The incident began on Tuesday when Manning posted a statement on his Instagram story referencing his comments at a press conference the day before. Manning wrote: "At yesterday's press conference, I made an insensitive remark about an AI video. There is nothing funny about this. It’s easy to say that I didn’t mean it, but I know my words and actions have been hurtful to many people. I do not take this lightly and I am truly sorry for it."
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Public Reaction
The online backlash stemmed from Manning's comments on Monday when he was asked if he had seen the fan-edited clips circulating online. He laughed and replied: "I’ve seen a few AI edits of things, but that’s it. I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview. Have you seen it? That one is good. He hits Holly Rowe? That’s funny."
This fabricated clip humorously depicts a post-game interaction where Sarkisian abruptly ends an interview with Rowe by shouting, "Texas fight. Hook 'em!" and walks away. In the deepfake version, the coach shouts the same phrase and tackles Rowe before hitting her.
Apology to Holly Rowe
Following the public reaction to his comments, Manning specifically apologized to Rowe, saying: "I want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has experienced because of my comments. I have a lot of respect for her and I appreciate her showing grace in this moment. I need to do better and think more in the future."
Rowe, following Manning's apology, announced to her followers on platform X that she and the quarterback had spoken privately and she accepted his apology. Rowe wrote: "Thank you, Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this -- which will remain private. Apology accepted. Let’s continue to show respect and kindness to one another."
In the game preceding this incident, Manning completed 23 of 37 passes for 195 yards and added 24 yards in his team’s return game against Ohio State.
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Source: independent.co.uk
