OpenAI’s Supposed Super Bowl Ad Featuring Alexander Skarsgård and a Shiny Device Was a Hoax
Key Points
- A rumor claimed OpenAI leaked a Super Bowl ad featuring Alexander Skarsgård and a shiny hardware device.
- OpenAI officials labeled the claim as fake, with the president calling it “fake news.”
- The original Reddit post came from a newly created account that has since been deleted.
- Evidence showed a coordinated effort, including a paid promotion tweet and a fabricated website.
- The hoax highlights the difficulty of controlling misinformation around high‑profile events.
A fabricated story about an OpenAI Super Bowl commercial starring Alexander Skarsgård and a mysterious hardware device circulated online. The rumor claimed the ad had been leaked by a disgruntled employee, but OpenAI officials quickly labeled the claim as false. Investigations revealed the original Reddit post came from a newly created account and the supporting website and emails were part of a coordinated effort to spread misinformation. The incident highlights the challenges tech companies face in controlling narrative around high‑profile events.
Background of the Alleged Ad
A social media post claimed that a leaked OpenAI Super Bowl commercial featured actor Alexander Skarsgård interacting with a futuristic hardware device described as a shiny orb paired with wraparound earbuds. The post suggested the leak originated from an upset employee who allegedly posted the entire video after the advertisement failed to air.
OpenAI’s Response
OpenAI’s president responded on X, calling the story “fake news.” A company spokesperson also stated, “this is totally fake.” These statements were issued shortly after the rumor began circulating.
Investigation of the Source
Analysis of the Reddit account that originally shared the claim showed it was a brand‑new profile that has since been deleted. Archival research indicated the account’s prior activity involved unrelated business services, making its sudden involvement in a high‑profile tech ad implausible.
Coordinated Misinformation Effort
Further evidence suggested a broader scheme to amplify the hoax. A user on another platform shared screenshots of an email offering payment for promoting a tweet about the alleged hardware teaser. Additionally, a fabricated website and a falsified headline attributed to a journalist were discovered, all aiming to lend credibility to the false narrative.
Implications for the Tech Industry
The incident underscores how quickly fabricated stories can gain traction, especially around major events like the Super Bowl. It also illustrates the difficulty companies face in managing misinformation that leverages recognizable personalities and speculative product announcements.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s swift denial and the subsequent uncovering of the hoax’s origins demonstrate the importance of vigilant fact‑checking and the challenges of combating coordinated misinformation campaigns in the digital age.