Kate Garraway has spoken out against a cruel online prank that used AI-generated images to create a fake boyfriend for her, nearly a year after her husband Derek Draper died from Long Covid complications. The 58-year-old TV presenter, who recently appeared on The Celebrity Traitors, revealed the hoax on ITV's Good Morning Britain, describing it as a difficult time for her family.
Garraway explained that fake Facebook accounts and AI-generated images began circulating online, leading people to believe she had found new love. She said: 'I only became aware when people came up to me on the street and said: “Oh I’m so pleased that you found love.”' Even her co-star Ranvir Singh was fooled by the images.
The situation escalated when fake news sites targeted her son Billy, 16, with reports claiming he was 'destroying the relationship because of his selfishness and missing his dad.' Garraway expressed concern that teachers might read these fabricated stories and trust them as genuine news.
Garraway's comments came after X (formerly Twitter) announced new restrictions on its AI chatbot Grok to prevent it from generating sexualised images. The regulator Ofcom launched an investigation into Grok earlier this week and welcomed the new restrictions.
Garraway urged the public to use trusted news sources online, calling the AI-generated images 'hurtful' to her children. She shared her experience on Instagram on Wednesday, emphasising the need for caution with AI-generated content.
