Graham Norton, one of the UK’s most recognisable television personalities, has secured a US court order in his fight against a Facebook account that allegedly spread false stories about him using AI-generated content.
The presenter, best known for hosting The Graham Norton Show and for his long-running role in the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest coverage, recently took legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook. The move relates to content published by an account known as The Westminster Wire which has reportedly been posting fabricated stories about Norton for several months.
According to reports, the account regularly shared AI-generated images which featured Norton and his husband, Jonathan McLeod, alongside articles containing false claims about their personal lives. Some of the posts reportedly appeared every few hours and covered a wide range of topics such as the broadcaster’s health and family.
Following a submission to a district court in California, Norton obtained an order that requires Meta to provide information that could help identify the person or people operating the account. The Facebook page has allegedly been run anonymously which made it difficult for Norton to pursue further legal action.
What Is The Case About?
In documents submitted to the court, Norton described the posts as false, harassing and damaging. He said the content had caused him “significant alarm, distress and anxiety.”
Among the claims highlighted in the filing were reports falsely stating that his mother had died. Norton told the court that his 94-year-old mother uses Facebook and was confronted with posts reporting her own death.
The presenter also said he had repeatedly been forced to reassure friends and acquaintances after they came across stories claiming that he or his husband were suffering from serious health issues.
Norton further alleged that the account used AI-generated images and fabricated statements that placed him in situations that never occurred. He claimed some posts falsely attributed offensive and divisive views to him.
“I have not been hospitalised, I have not donated money to the causes described. I do not hold and have never expressed the racist, xenophobic, anti-immigrant or otherwise divisive and hateful views attributed to me by the account,” Norton said in his filing as quoted by The Independent.
What Could Happen Next?
According to reports, Norton plans to begin legal proceedings in England’s High Court against those responsible for the posts. But he is first needed to establish their identities which is why the information sought from Meta is considered a key part of the case.
Also Read: Who Is Faizon Love? Actor Behind Friday And Elf Arrested In Florida
