10
Loading video...
By Joe Edwards
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has defended an AI-generated attack ad depicting Democratic congressional candidate Jamie Ager dancing with an Asheville drag performer who has said her likeness was used without permission.
Newsweek understands the ad was paid for by the NRCC and approved by Republican candidate Jennifer Balkcom. It uses AI to depict Ager dancing with a likeness of Asheville drag performer Nova at a barn dance attended by adults and children.
“Jamie Ager talks like you and me on TV, but he's dancing with they/them,” it said. The ad was slammed by Ager, who called it “bullc***” in a social media statement.
Read More on News
Ager and Balkcom are competing in the November 3 election for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.
“Liberal Jamie Ager is sending his left-wing army to attack his political opponents after being exposed for hosting events exposing young children to inappropriate performances from individuals like Sister Domina Trix and Sister Helen Bedd,” NRCC spokesperson Reilly Richardson told Newsweek in an email.
“The NRCC stands by the ad, and Ager owes North Carolina voters answers for why he’s trying to push sexualized performers onto kids.”
Newsweek reached out to Ager, Balkcom, and Nova for comment on Thursday.
The ad and the NRCC’s comments appear to refer to a six-hour, fantasy-themed festival held at Ager’s family business, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, in May 2019. The event was open to children and advertised the Asheville-based drag and advocacy group Beer City Sisters among a broader lineup that included costumed entertainers, puppeteers and fire dancers. Its public listing, however, did not specifically advertise a drag performance or identify “Sister Domina Trix” or “Sister Helen Bedd” as participants.
A fact-check published Saturday by The News & Observer found that the NRCC did not provide evidence that either named performer attended the event when asked.
WYFF4 also reported that an Ager campaign spokesperson said the group ultimately did not attend.
Ager Hits Back at AI-Generated Ad
“Our opponent is attacking us with 100 percent fake AI generated lies,” Ager said in a statement released to social media.
“When you don’t have anything to run on in your campaign, I guess you have to resort to this kind of bullc*** to try to convince people to vote for you.
“I’m running a campaign based on the deep values we have here in Western North Carolina around politics that’s good for people, that builds up our community, and it makes a better future for our kids and the people that live here in Western North Carolina.”
Ager continued: “I am frustrated that our political system has gotten to the point that it has, and look forward to leading Western North Carolina and our country to a better way of doing politics and a better way of building a great country.”
Drag Performer Warns of ‘Scary Situation’
Nova has also spoken out about the ad, thanking supporters for their well wishes and concern while denouncing the video.
“Not gonna lie I was living my best life being on the news for a second,” the drag queen joked on Instagram. “But in all seriousness this is a scary situation. If they can use ai to falsify an event like this, what else would they do to demonize our community?
“Jennifer Balkcom, if you took the time to get to know the constituents you demonized, you’d know that we are honest people who want to live our lives and not be bothered."
The performer added: “Get ready because this media storm is far from over.”
Nova told local outlet WLOS she had never met Ager or been to his property, and reportedly demanded the ad be taken down. WLOS also reported the drag queen had issued a cease-and-desist letter to the Balkcom campaign.
Richardson told Spectrum News 1: “The NRCC is in compliance with North Carolina law, which does not require the disclosure of AI usage in political advertisements.”
First Amendment attorney Mike Tadych told WLOS that Nova could potentially pursue a misappropriation claim over the unauthorized use of her likeness in the ad, although he cautioned that political advertisements enjoy substantial First Amendment protection.
WYFF4 reported that Nova and fellow drag performer Divine Holeburn had given the NRCC and Balkcom campaign until November 2 to stop using their likenesses in the ad or face potential legal action.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Rebecca Flood and Rhian Morgan.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines