Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Fake France Coup Video Fools Millions
A fake video claiming that French President Emmanuel Macron had been overthrown in a military coup spread rapidly online.
The video, which appeared as a live news report, showed fake scenes of Paris with armed soldiers and stunned civilians.
It fooled millions of viewers, including an African head of state who contacted Macron.
Macron was initially amused but then frustrated when Meta, the parent company of Facebook, initially refused to remove the video.
The video was eventually taken down, but not before causing significant concern.
This is not the first time Macron or France has been targeted by AI-driven fake news.
A fake video claiming a military coup in France fooled millions online.
The video was presented as a live report by a non-existent news channel called 'Live 24'.
The video showed fake scenes of Paris with armed soldiers and stunned civilians.
Macron was contacted by an African head of state who saw the video.
Meta initially refused to remove the video, citing it did not violate their rules.
- Who
- French President Emmanuel Macron and the public
- What
- A fake video claiming a military coup in France
- When
- This week
- Where
- Online, primarily on Facebook
- Why
- To spread misinformation and potentially cause panic
- Video Source
- Views
- 13 million
- Platform
- Meta (Facebook's parent company)
- Macron's Reaction
- Frustration with Meta's response
- Video Removal
- Eventually taken down after three days
- Previous Incidents
- Not the first AI-driven fake news targeting Macron