No evidence Mitch McConnell's 'proof of life' photo is fake or AI-generated - France 24

Theory Briefing

• A photo of McConnell circulated as a so-called 'proof of life' image, prompting online claims it was fake or AI-generated.
• Fact-checkers found no technical or visual evidence supporting the AI-manipulation claims, yet the rumor spread widely.
• The episode shows how public suspicion about a politician's health can fuel image-authenticity conspiracies with little basis.
• McConnell's real health episodes — including public freezing moments — gave the rumor just enough plausible footing to travel.