Massive Reach of Fabricated Epstein Images on X The seven AI‑fabricated pictures depicting Zohran Mamdani, Nikki Haley and other figures with Jeffrey Epstein amassed more than 21 million views on X within days of posting, according to NewsGuard data [1]. A separate post by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones featuring one of the fakes attracted over 1.5 million views, amplifying the false narrative [1]. The rapid spread illustrates how AI‑generated disinformation can achieve viral scale on major social platforms [1].

Google Gemini Confirms AI Watermark on All Images Google’s Gemini tool identified a SynthID invisible watermark embedded in each circulating image, a marker that signals creation or alteration by Google AI models [1][2][3]. The watermark’s presence provided technical proof that the photos were not authentic photographs but AI‑generated composites [2]. Researchers used Gemini’s detection to debunk the images across multiple fact‑checking outlets [3].

Parody X Account Created Images Following DOJ Release parody X account describing itself as an “AI‑powered meme engine” uploaded the fabricated pictures on February 2, 2026, shortly after the Justice Department released a large cache of Epstein‑related files on January 30, 2026 [2][3]. The account later posted, “I purposely made him a baby,” acknowledging the deliberate manipulation [2]. Age and timeline inconsistencies—Mamdani was 18 in 2009—render the visual claims chronologically impossible [2][3].

Specific False Claims Target US Politicians and Global Leaders screenshot purporting to show former GOP candidate Nikki Haley emailing Epstein on January 7, 2014 (a Tuesday, not Saturday) was absent from the DOJ’s three‑million‑document cache, exposing the forgery [1]. Alex Jones asserted that Musk’s chatbot Grok labeled one of the images real, a claim researchers say highlights chatbot unreliability for fact‑checking [1]. Additional AI‑altered photos linked Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney to Epstein, expanding the disinformation beyond U.S. politics [1].

Officials Remain Silent as Disinformation Spreads The New York City Mayor’s Office declined to comment on the circulating images, and no victims have accused Bill Clinton, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates or other depicted figures of involvement with Epstein [2][3]. Mamdani’s father is Columbia anthropology professor Mahmood Mamdani, not Epstein, further disproving familial connections [2][3]. The lack of official rebuttal leaves the false narrative unchecked in the public sphere [2][3].