MANILA— Broadway star Lea Salonga has issued a stark warning to the public after an AI-generated video circulated online falsely claiming she was confined to a wheelchair due to arthritis. The manipulated video, which duped even her own family, highlights the growing threat of deepfake technology being used to spread misinformation.
Salonga took to Facebook on Saturday, June 28, to set the record straight after her aunt in Manila was misled by the fake clip. “I just chatted with an aunt of mine from Manila who sent a message that was unnerving,” Salonga wrote. “She had just seen a video claiming that I was in a wheelchair due to arthritis and was cured by some treatment.”
The internationally acclaimed singer-actress clarified that her health was fine aside from the usual aches and pains that come with her demanding career. “I told her that I was fine, experiencing minor aches and pains from my job, but that’s it. She was bamboozled by a fake video,” she continued. “AI is scary. Stay vigilant and aware.”
Deepfakes Targeting Filipino Celebrities
Salonga is not the only Filipino celebrity to fall victim to AI manipulation. In 2024, she and fellow icon Sharon Cuneta were digitally used in fake endorsements to promote a so-called “natural” diabetes cure. AI-generated videos and images depicted the stars speaking positively about the unverified treatment, giving it a false air of legitimacy.
The wave of deepfake scams has not spared other big names either. Television host Anne Curtis, broadcaster Amy Perez, and singer Ogie Alcasid have all seen their likenesses misused in videos pushing dubious products.
Amy Perez, for instance, was made to appear as if she endorsed a menopausal drug through an AI-altered video that recycled footage from her now-defunct morning show. Such videos often splice together old interviews or public appearances with AI-generated dialogue to make it seem like celebrities are endorsing products they have nothing to do with.
A Growing Digital Threat
These incidents point to a troubling trend: the misuse of advanced AI tools to exploit the images of public figures and mislead the public. According to a recent report by the New York Times, the proliferation of deepfake technology has made it easier than ever to create convincing fake videos of celebrities endorsing products, sharing false health information, or making statements they never said.
Experts warn that these AI-generated manipulations can easily deceive even the most discerning viewers. The technology can subtly alter facial expressions, sync mouth movements to fabricated audio, and blend new content with old footage to produce a convincing, yet entirely false, narrative.
Public Urged to Stay Critical
Cybersecurity specialists and media literacy advocates stress the need for internet users to remain critical and sceptical of videos and images shared online, especially those involving celebrities promoting unverified treatments or controversial opinions.
They encourage consumers to cross-check content with official sources, such as verified social media profiles or reputable news outlets, before believing or sharing suspicious material.
“Deepfake videos are getting harder to detect with the naked eye,” said one digital forensics expert, who noted that sophisticated AI tools can mimic voices and facial movements so accurately that even close family members of the victims, like Salonga’s aunt, can be fooled.
A Call for Awareness
Salonga’s experience has become a cautionary tale for both celebrities and their followers about the dangers posed by AI-generated deepfakes. The actress’s prompt public response underscores the importance of immediate clarification to counter misinformation before it spreads further.
For now, Salonga’s advice is clear: vigilance is key. As deepfake technology continues to evolve, both celebrities and ordinary internet users must stay informed and sceptical to avoid falling prey to digital deception.
Her message resonates beyond her own case, serving as a timely reminder that in an era of advanced AI and instant viral content, critical thinking is more essential than ever.
