Arch Manning apologizes for laughing at AI Sarkisian slap video — SkimNews
Get the Tech newsletter
Daily tech — startups, AI labs, chips, the launches that shape the next decade. Free.
- Arch Manning issued an apology on Instagram Story one day after he was asked about fan-edited clips and called an AI video of Sarkisian slapping Holly Rowe 'hilarious,' admitting his 'words and actions were hurtful.'
- The AI video was based on a real postgame moment after Texas beat then-No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on Saturday, when Sarkisian answered Rowe's question with 'Texas fight. Hook 'em!' and abruptly walked off — the AI version depicted him shouting 'Hook 'em!' and slapping Rowe face-down to the turf.
- Holly Rowe accepted Manning's apology on X, writing that she and Manning had a private conversation and that 'We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.'
- Manning completed 11 of his final 15 throws to finish 23-of-37 for 195 yards and added 8 rushes for 24 yards in the fourth-quarter comeback against Ohio State.
- Texas, now ranked No. 1, next plays UT San Antonio on Saturday.
- Manning — son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning — specifically named Rowe in his apology and said he 'need[s] to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.'
Why it matters: Manning is the quarterback of the No. 1-ranked team and heir to the most prominent family in football, so a careless remark about a female reporter quickly became a national story; the episode underscores how AI-edited clips of sideline journalists can turn a dismissive real interview moment into viral content that subjects the reporter to renewed scrutiny.
Ask SkimNews
