Authors
An enthusiastic journalist, researcher and fact-checker, Shubham believes in maintaining the sanctity of facts and wants to create awareness about misinformation and its perils. Shubham has studied Mathematics at the Banaras Hindu University and holds a diploma in Hindi Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He has worked in The Print, UNI and Inshorts before joining Newschecker.
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Images purportedly show famous Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson, ‘The Rock,’ performing Aarti, dressed in Hindu attire.
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
Also Read: AI-Generated Image Of Pope Francis In ‘Balenciaga Jacket’ Baffles Social Media
Fact
A reverse image search on one of the viral photographs led us to a Facebook post by @hatwillbefun, dated May 27, 2023. The post carried the viral images of the Hollywood actor with the caption, “AI images of Dwayne Johnson.”
Further, Twitter user @MauryanPentool shared the viral images of Dwayne Johnson, stating that they are the product of AI. The user also shared a link to a Facebook post.
On clicking the link, we were directed to a Facebook post by @bhargav.valera carrying the viral images of Johnson. The caption of the same read, “dwayne johnson as a Sadhu worshipping in mandir 🙏🏼 @therock how is it ? AI concept Art (sic)”
We scanned through the Facebook profile of @bhargav.valera and found multiple posts carrying AI generated images like this, this and this.
Also Read: Here’s The Truth Behind Sidhu Moose Wala’s Walk Of Fame Star
Valera also shared screengrabs of social media posts carrying the viral Dwayne Johnson photographs with the caption, “My artwork becoming viral on social media… yeah.”
Further, the same AI-generated images of Johnson were also uploaded by Valera on his Instagram account. Notably, he identifies himself as an “AI Artist” in the Instagram bio.
Hence, viral images of Dwayne Johnson dressed as a Hindu priest have been generated using an AI tool.
Also Read: No, Rana Ayyub Didn’t Link Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock To Hinduism, Viral Article Is A Satire
Result: False
Sources
Tweet By @MauryanPentool, Dated May 26, 2023
Facebook Account Of @bhargav.valera
Instagram Account Of @bhargavvalera
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Authors
An enthusiastic journalist, researcher and fact-checker, Shubham believes in maintaining the sanctity of facts and wants to create awareness about misinformation and its perils. Shubham has studied Mathematics at the Banaras Hindu University and holds a diploma in Hindi Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He has worked in The Print, UNI and Inshorts before joining Newschecker.
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
