Arch Manning apologizes for laughing at Holly Rowe AI video — SkimNews
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- Arch Manning issued an Instagram Story apology Tuesday for laughing at and calling "hilarious" an AI-generated video showing Texas coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe, saying his words "were hurtful to a lot of people."
- The AI video was based on real footage from Saturday's 24-23 win over then-No. 1 Ohio State, where Sarkisian had cut off Rowe's sideline interview by saying "Texas fight. Hook 'em!" and walking away.
- Holly Rowe said on X that she and Manning had spoken privately about the comment and accepted his apology: "We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."
- Manning's original reaction came Monday when he told reporters "Have y'all seen that one? That's a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It's hilarious," prompting the backlash that preceded his apology.
- Manning, son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, finished 23-of-37 for 195 yards with eight rushes for 24 yards in the comeback win at the No. 1-ranked Longhorns.
- Texas next hosts UT San Antonio on Saturday as it begins a stretch following its marquee victory.
Why it matters: The episode puts a public spotlight on how star athletes engage with AI-edited viral content depicting violence against a woman sports journalist — and shows how quickly an offhand press-conference laugh can escalate into a forced apology, with the affected reporter herself choosing to accept and close the matter rather than pursue further consequences.
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