Broadway icon Lea Salonga has issued a public warning against a circulating AI-generated video falsely claiming she’s confined to a wheelchair because of arthritis. The acclaimed singer and actress shared on Facebook that her aunt in Manila had been misled by the fake clip, prompting Salonga to set the record straight.
“She was bamboozled by a fake video,” Salonga wrote, clarifying that while she does experience the usual aches and pains from performing, she is in good health. “AI is scary. Stay vigilant and aware.”
The incident mirrors a 2024 case where Salonga and Sharon Cuneta were falsely shown endorsing a so-called diabetes cure in manipulated AI promos. Other Filipino celebrities—such as Anne Curtis, Amy Perez, and Ogie Alcasid—have also been targets of similar deepfakes.
The New York Times previously reported how AI software is being exploited to create deceptive videos of public figures, spreading misinformation. Experts advise the public to approach online content with caution and verify sources.