BISHOP TD JAKES SAYS 44,000 AI BOTS SPREAD LIES ABOUT HE AND DIDDY

In a recent interview with John Hope Bryant, renowned pastor T.D. Jakes addressed a wave of misinformation that falsely linked him to Sean “Diddy” Combs and his controversial “Freak-Off” parties. Jakes revealed that a staggering 44,000 AI-generated bots were behind the smear campaign, which alleged inappropriate involvement with the hip-hop mogul. The megachurch leader, known for founding The Potter’s House in Dallas, emphasized that 98% of these online claims were artificially generated, highlighting the growing threat of AI-driven disinformation targeting public figures.

A Coordinated Digital Attack

Jakes, a globally respected evangelical pastor, author, and filmmaker, stated during the interview that the rumors began circulating amidst Diddy’s high-profile legal troubles, which included allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and organizing illicit parties. The false claims suggested Jakes attended these events or had an intimate relationship with Combs, allegations he firmly denied. “When the [rumors] first broke out, it was 44,000 bots that were released on me,” Jakes said, noting that an investigation by Snopes confirmed that 98% of the comments were AI-generated. He stressed that his only connection to Diddy was through spiritual mentorship, and no credible evidence supported the accusations.

The misinformation campaign utilized doctored images, fake videos, and manipulated thumbnails on platforms like YouTube, depicting Jakes in compromising scenarios or even in handcuffs. These fabricated materials gained significant traction, with some videos amassing over a million views. Jakes’ legal team, led by attorney Dustin Pusch, has taken action by filing a motion in the Northern District of California to subpoena Google, YouTube’s parent company, to identify the creators of four accounts—reportedly based in Pakistan, South Africa, the Philippines, and Kenya—responsible for spreading the defamatory content.

The Context of Diddy’s Legal Woes

The rumors emerged in the wake of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal battles, which intensified following a 2023 civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The lawsuit alleged years of abuse and coercion, sparking federal investigations into Combs’ activities. In September 2024, Combs was indicted on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. While he was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking in a trial that began in May 2025, he was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution and awaits sentencing on October 3, 2025. The sensational nature of the case fueled speculation about attendees of Combs’ alleged “Freak-Off” parties, dragging Jakes and other prominent figures, including Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington, into the controversy through baseless online rumors.

Jakes emphasized the lack of credible evidence tying him to the allegations, stating, “If there were anything there, the FBI would have been all over it. You wouldn’t have to find it on Instagram or YouTube. You would find it on the 6 o’clock news.” He urged the public to stop relying on social media platforms like TikTok for information, highlighting the dangers of unchecked misinformation.

Legal Action and a Broader Warning

In December 2024, Jakes’ legal team escalated efforts to combat the disinformation by seeking to unmask the creators behind the AI-generated content. The motion filed against Google accuses YouTube of failing to enforce its own policies against misleading content, which has been monetized for profit through ads. This legal move is considered a significant step in addressing the misuse of AI to defame public figures, with Jakes’ attorney stating, “This action is about more than just defending Mr. Jakes’ reputation. It’s about holding platforms and creators accountable for weaponizing AI to harm individuals for profit.”

Jakes also framed the attack as part of a broader issue affecting successful Black public figures. “The other thing that it really proved to me, to Oprah, to Denzel, to all the people, is that it’s everybody,” he said, suggesting that such campaigns aim to tarnish the reputations of prominent individuals in the Black community. He called for greater accountability and seriousness, particularly in light of broader societal challenges, urging people to “get boring” and focus on substantive issues rather than sensational gossip.

A Legacy Under Scrutiny

Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr., born in 1957, led The Potter’s House from 1996 until 2025, when he passed leadership to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and son-in-law, Touré Roberts, following a health scare in 2024. Despite his global influence and contributions to faith-based media, Jakes has faced scrutiny over the years, including criticism of his views on homosexuality and same-sex marriage. However, he has consistently advocated for respect and balance in navigating cultural and theological differences.

The AI-driven smear campaign underscores the vulnerabilities public figures face in the digital age, where fabricated content can spread rapidly and cause significant reputational harm. Jakes’ response—combining legal action, public statements, and a call for critical media consumption—serves as both a defense of his legacy and a warning about the dangers of unchecked technology. As the case against the YouTube accounts progresses, it may set a precedent for how platforms and individuals address AI-generated misinformation in the future.