Keemstar Debunks AI-Generated Audio of Pokimane Allegedly Using Racial Slur Against Sneako
3 min readInternet personality and host of DramaAlert, Daniel “Keemstar” Keem, recently took to social media platform X to address and debunk a controversial audio clip that allegedly featured Twitch star Imane “Pokimane” Anys using the “N-word” against Rumble streamer Nicolas “Sneako.” The clip, which has been widely circulated on social media, closely mimics Pokimane’s natural speaking tone, leading to widespread speculation about its authenticity.
Keemstar, known for his involvement in internet drama and news, clarified on July 19, 2024, that the audio clip was, in fact, generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and was not real. In his post, he stated:
“Pokimane saying the N-word? We’ve been sent audio, allegedly of Poki calling SNEAKO , the N-word. THE AUDIO IS AI! It’s NOT Real! Please stop spamming us with this BS.”
Pokimane saying the N-word ?
— KEEM 🍿 (@KEEMSTAR) July 19, 2024
We’ve been sent audio, allegedly of Poki calling SNEAKO , the N-word.
THE AUDIO IS Ai ! 🚨
It’s NOT Real! ‼️
Please stop spamming us with this BS. pic.twitter.com/nTL8AcM01e
AI-Generated Audio Clip Sparks Controversy
The audio clip in question features a simulated voice of Pokimane seemingly berating Sneako, defending her fanbase from his criticisms, and then proceeding to use racially charged and homophobic slurs. The clip’s realistic sound, including natural inflections and tone shifts, contributed to its believability, making it easy for many to mistake it for genuine audio. In the clip, the AI-generated voice can be heard saying:
“I guess I can understand some of your criticisms, but Sneako, I honestly, I feel like you have a completely warped view on my fanbase, because my fans are actually not simps! They respect me and I love them for it. So, I would appreciate if you stopped reacting to my content. You black piece of sh. Nr. You’re a fking fat, and I’ll f*king beat you in a fight any day!”
Pokimane threatens Sneako on Twitter DMs 😳 pic.twitter.com/VGpsCSTFaI
— Sneako Updates (@Sneak0o) July 19, 2024
The Role of AI in Misinformation
The incident highlights the growing issue of AI technology being used to create highly convincing but fake audio clips. The ability of AI to replicate voices with startling accuracy poses significant challenges in discerning real from fake content. This particular clip’s believability underscores how easily AI-generated content can deceive the public, spreading misinformation and potentially damaging reputations.
Background of the Feud
The viral audio clip comes in the wake of a public feud between Pokimane and Sneako. Their online altercation began after Sneako defended Dr Disrespect during the Twitch Whisper controversy, where Dr Disrespect admitted to sending inappropriate messages to a minor. Pokimane responded to Sneako’s comments by calling him a “cu*k,” which led to Sneako retaliating on his livestream, further fueling the conflict.
Pokimane COOKS Sneako.. 😭‼️ pic.twitter.com/OXwqxLUBKX
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) June 26, 2024
Community Reaction
The community reaction to the AI-generated clip has been mixed, with some initially believing its authenticity and others expressing skepticism. Keemstar’s intervention played a crucial role in clarifying the situation and preventing further spread of the false narrative. His call for people to stop sharing the clip underscores the importance of verifying information before accepting it as true.
As AI technology continues to advance, the creation of deepfakes and other fabricated media is likely to increase. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and critical thinking when encountering sensational claims online. Platforms like Twitch, X, and others must also consider implementing more robust measures to detect and mitigate the spread of AI-generated misinformation.
In conclusion, the debunking of the AI-generated audio clip by Keemstar sheds light on the potential dangers of AI in the realm of digital communication. It also underscores the ongoing need for media literacy and caution in the face of increasingly sophisticated technological tools capable of creating highly realistic, yet completely fake, content.