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Rafa Nadal Warns of AI Deepfakes Using His Likeness to Push Investment Scams

The retired champion reports AI clips mimicking his voice and image are spreading on social platforms to promote misleading pitches.

Overview

  • On September 23, Nadal issued a rare public alert on X, stating he has not created or endorsed any investment messages circulating in his name.
  • He said his team detected AI-generated videos that imitate his face and voice and described the content as misleading advertising.
  • Reports cite recent appearances on TikTok and a paid YouTube pre‑roll, including an ad linked to the account Melarionthesa, according to TN.com.ar.
  • Cybersecurity expert Josep Albors of ESET warned these scams are established tactics that will likely grow as deepfake tools become easier to use.
  • Coverage places the case within a broader wave of celebrity-targeted deepfakes, with no confirmed takedowns or legal actions reported so far.