A viral video circulating across social media platforms has falsely accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of sexually assaulting a former student, Matthew Metro, in 1997. The video, which surfaced on October 17, 2024, claims to feature an individual named Matthew Metro, who alleges that Walz, a former high school teacher, engaged in misconduct over two decades ago. However, it has been thoroughly debunked, with evidence confirming that the video is AI-generated and the accusations are entirely baseless.
The Allegations in the Video
In the video, the individual claiming to be Metro describes himself as a survivor of sexual assault. He alleges that the incident took place in 1997 when he was a student at Mankato West High School in Minnesota, where Tim Walz worked as a teacher. He describes a vulnerable time in his life, dealing with his parents’ divorce, and claims he sought comfort from Walz, who allegedly took advantage of him.
“My parents were going through a terrible divorce… Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to. Well, in my case, it was my teacher, Tim Walz,” the individual claims. He further alleges that Walz made inappropriate physical advances during this time.
However, these claims are unfounded, and multiple sources have identified the video as a fabrication.
Why the Video is False
Several key points debunk the validity of the accusations:
- AI-Generated Video: Community notes on X (formerly Twitter) and various experts have confirmed that the video is AI-generated. The speech patterns, including the repeated use of the phrase “s*xual assault” in identical tone and pitch, are a common hallmark of synthetic speech. Additionally, the facial movements in the video appear unnatural, further supporting the conclusion that it was created using AI technology.
- False Timeline: According to verified information, the real Matthew Metro did not attend Mankato West High School in 1997. His LinkedIn profile and community notes show that he was enrolled there from 1993 to 1996. This directly contradicts the timeline presented in the video.
- Identity Mismatch: Another user, Matthew Cottrell, shared a throwback photo of the actual Matthew Metro during his school years, showing that he looks entirely different from the individual in the video. This discrepancy clearly indicates that the person in the viral clip is not who they claim to be.
- FBI Debunking: The “Agent Self FBI” account on X also pointed out numerous inconsistencies in the video, including unnatural eyebrow movements and abnormal muscle shifts that are inconsistent with natural human behavior.
The Response to the Viral Video
Despite the video gaining traction online, Governor Tim Walz and his team have yet to publicly respond to the false allegations. However, given the clear evidence that the video is fraudulent, it is expected that any official response will reflect the facts and dismiss the claims as baseless.
Governor Walz, who has served as Minnesota’s governor since January 2019, has a long and respected history in education. Before entering politics, he worked as a social studies teacher and football coach at Mankato West High School from 1996 to 2006. His dedication to education and rapport with students became a hallmark of his career, and he has been remembered fondly by many former students for his commitment to their success.
Walz’s Background in Education
As an educator, Tim Walz was recognized for his hard work and passion. According to Politico, one former student remembered him as “wearing a tie and sweating profusely and just working his a** off as a teacher.” Walz’s dedication to teaching and his ability to connect with students contributed to his strong reputation in the community, which eventually led to his successful political career.
The viral video accusing Governor Tim Walz of sexual assault is unequivocally false. With AI technology becoming more sophisticated, it’s important to remain vigilant in verifying the authenticity of content shared online. In this case, the fabricated video has been thoroughly debunked, with evidence showing that the individual in the video is not the real Matthew Metro, and the claims against Walz are entirely baseless. As social media continues to evolve, users must critically evaluate the information they encounter and be cautious of viral content designed to mislead and manipulate.