FACT CHECK: Did CNN Show ‘Leaked Video’ of Elon Musk and Will Smith at One Of Diddy’s Parties?

Anthony Pascone | Contributor

A post on Facebook claims CNN broadcasted a “leaked video” of X CEO Elon Musk and actor Will Smith and a party hosted by disgraced mogul Sean Combs, also known as Diddy.

Verdict: False

The photos appear to be AI-generated, while there is no proof CNN has any leaked video or has plans to broadcast any.

Fact Check:

Combs was arrested in New York City Sept. 16 following months of speculation, being charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of prostitution, and is currently being held without bail, according to BBC News. The rap mogul has been the subject of many conspiracy theories, some of which claim that he was a federal agent and was blackmailing influential people.

At the same time, Musk has offered a $1 million daily giveaway to registered voters who sign a pledge for his Political Action Committee dedicated to “backing the constitution,” according to The Associated Press. Experts were quick to suggest the giveaway may violate campaign finance laws, the outlet reported.

A post being shared on Facebook purports to show entrepreneur Elon Musk and entertainer Will Smith in various poses, with “leaked video” at the bottom along with the CNN logo. It shows Musk seemingly screaming, Smith crying, and a girl on a bed surrounded by three unknown men.

These photos are manipulated, however. AI detection website “SightEngine” was unsure about the image’s origin, however, this image has all the classic signs of manipulation such as distorted facial features and oversaturation of the photo’s coloring and lightling.

Even though Diddy is an investor in Musk’s X platform, there is no proof that Musk ever attended a party hosted by Diddy. Will Smith and Diddy have been linked together for decades, however no evidence exists that he engaged in any illegal behavior at any party that he may have been to.

The image of Will Smith crying used in the viral photo is from an appearance on the show “Red Table Talk” in July 2020. It has since been used as a meme, and reposted countless times under various headlines.

Furthermore, CNN has never aired footage from this party or claimed that it did, despite their logo being on the photo. There is no mention of this on their website, and a Google search for “Diddy leaked video” provides no information about any sort of video already published or any plans to.

Anthony Pascone

Contributor

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