Fact Check: Athiya Shetty, KL Rahul pose with their newborn? No, images are AI-generated
A collage has been circulating on social media, claiming to show actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul with their newborn boy.
By Md Mahfooz Alam Published on 10 Feb 2025 6:00 PM IST
Claim: The images show Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul with their newborn child.
Fact: The claim is false. While the couple is expecting their first baby, the viral images are AI-generated.
Hyderabad: A collage of two images featuring Bollywood actor Athiya Shetty and Indian cricketer KL Rahul posing with an infant in what looks like a hospital room has gone viral. The viral posts claim the images show the couple with their newborn baby boy.
An Instagram account shared the collage with the caption, āCongratulations on Baby Boy KL Rahul & Athiya Shetty!ā
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is false as both images in the collage are AI-generated.
After analysing the images, we noticed anomalies commonly found in AI-generated visuals, such as deformed faces and irregular eyes, indicating that the images were likely artificially generated.
Furthermore, we analysed the images using AI-detection tools. According to Hive Moderation, both images contain AI-generated content with an aggregate score of 94.6 per cent. Sight Engine found that the images are 99 per cent likely to be AI-generated.
We also checked Athiya Shettyās Instagram account and found a joint announcement from the couple on November 8, 2024, stating that they are expecting a baby in 2025. However, there were no posts confirming the babyās birth.
We also conducted a keyword search and found reports (Hindustan Times and The Indian Express) on Shettyās pregnancy but no confirmation of the babyās birth.
Therefore, we conclude that while the couple is expecting their first baby, the viral image showing them with a newborn is AI-generated. The claim is false.
