Actress Eswari Gunasagar Targeted with AI-Generated Deepfake Images
Singaporean actress Eswari Gunasagar publicly disclosed that an unknown man used AI to generate intimate images of her without consent and posted them online with threatening captions. After she reported the account, it was removed within hours, but the incident sparked debate about societal attitudes toward deepfake victims.
What happened
On July 2, 2026, actress Eswari Gunasagar disclosed that an unknown man used AI to create a fake image of her and him together at the beach, showing her in a bikini despite her never having posted such photos.
When Gunasagar messaged the man to remove the post and threatened to report him to police, he did not respond but instead reposted the image on his profile, claiming she was his wife, saying he would file a personal protection order against her for bullying, and captioning the image with a statement indicating intent to harm her.
Reported impact
Gunasagar reported the posts to police and shared screenshots publicly, prompting others to report the account, which was removed within three hours.
The actress expressed shock at online responses from some netizens who mocked her for complaining about the deepfake, saying she should expect such treatment as a celebrity, with the comments being liked by others including women.
Index analysis
The incident demonstrates the potential for non-consensual AI-generated intimate imagery to be weaponized for harassment and false claims of relationships.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.