Indiana prosecutor investigates alleged deepfake video of lawmaker's wife
An alleged deepfake video showing a topless performance by the wife of Indiana Republican Rep. Craig Haggard was reportedly created and viewed by staff members in April 2025. The Marion County Prosecutor's Office is investigating, though the Indiana Capital Chronicle could not confirm the video's existence; Rep. Haggard said his wife has been embarrassed by the incident.
What happened
An alleged deepfake video showing a topless performance by the wife of Indiana Representative Craig Haggard was reportedly created and circulated. Two members of Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith's staff reportedly viewed the video in the office in April 2025.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle has not been able to confirm the existence of the video. Lt. Gov. Beckwith stated he reviewed employee communications and could not find evidence of it.
Reported impact
Rep. Haggard stated his wife has been embarrassed and does not want to come to the statehouse anymore as a result of being dragged into the incident. Haggard described it as a 'serious, horrible allegation.'
Index analysis
State lawmakers made creating or distributing nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes a misdemeanor offense. Federal law also criminalizes the activity, often called revenge porn.
Governance controls
Gov. Mike Braun stated each state office would have to do its own accountability, saying if the incident occurred in his office there would be 'quick getting to the bottom of it, and full accountability.' Rep. Haggard criticized the response as inadequate and called for an independent investigation.
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.