Arch Manning apologizes for response to fake AI-generated video depicting Holly Rowe being slapped
A college football quarterback is apologizing for laughing about an AI-generated video depicting his coach slapping a female ESPN reporter.
Arch Manning, the 22-year-old quarterback for the University of Texas, said in a statement on social media Tuesday he is "deeply sorry" for his reaction to the fake video, which depicted Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe.
The AI-generated video was shared online after Texas came from behind to defeat Ohio State 24-23 in Austin on Saturday. In a post-game interview with Rowe, Sarkisian said "Texas fight. Hook 'em" in response to a question and abruptly walked off.
The AI-generated video depicts Sarkisian saying "hook 'em" before slapping Rowe, who then falls to the ground.
When asked in a press conference Monday about videos of the Texas victory shared by fans, Manning specifically mentioned the AI-generated video of Rowe.
"I've seen a few AI edits of stuff, but that's about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview," Manning said, laughing. "Have y'all seen that one? That's a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It's hilarious."
"In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it," Manning said in a post Tuesday on his Instagram story. "It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.
"I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments," Manning continued. "I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward."
Rowe has not commented publicly on the controversy but replied to Manning's social media post and indicated the two have spoken directly.
"Thank you Arch. I appreciate our conversation about this - which will remain private," Rowe wrote in a message she shared on X, which included a screenshot of Manning's statement. "Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."
ESPN declined to comment.
Rowe is considered a pioneering female sports reporter, having spent 20 years with ESPN and working prior to that as a sports reporter and anchor in Salt Lake City, according to her ESPN bio. In additional to covering football, she also reports on the WNBA and multiple women's college sports.
The Association for Women in Sports Media offered its support to Rowe, saying in a statement Tuesday that she "exemplifies the professionalism and integrity that AWSM strives to support and celebrate.”
“In the aftermath of Arch Manning’s apology, we encourage all teams to remind players and staff that women in sports media deserve respect, and the normalization of violence against women in any capacity is not acceptable,” the AWSM statement continued.
Manning, currently in his senior season at Texas, comes from a family football dynasty. He is the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning and the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning III.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ESPN and ABC News.
