Asked Monday whether he had seen fan edits from the game, Manning brought up the clip while laughing.
“I've seen a few AI edits of stuff, but that's about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark's interview,” Manning said. “Have y'all seen that one? That's a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It's hilarious.”
The comment quickly drew backlash after video of the press conference circulated online. Manning responded the following day with an apology posted to Instagram Stories.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” Manning wrote. “There is nothing funny about it. It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”
He also apologized directly to Rowe.
“I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments,” Manning wrote. “I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”
Rowe later said she and Manning had spoken privately and that she accepted the apology.
“Thank you Arch,” Rowe wrote on social media. “I appreciate our conversation about this -- which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”
The reporter who initially shared Manning’s remarks also apologized after describing the response as “gold.” He said he regretted how he presented the clip and would be more careful in the future.
The episode followed a dramatic Texas win in which the Longhorns erased a 23-3 fourth-quarter deficit against then-No. 1 Ohio State. Manning helped lead the comeback with three fourth-quarter scoring drives and finished the game 23-of-37 passing for 195 yards.
The controversy, however, shifted attention away from the result and toward the consequences of treating manipulated AI media as entertainment when real people are depicted in fabricated acts of violence. Manning’s apology acknowledged that distinction and focused specifically on the impact his comments had on Rowe.
This analysis is based on reporting from ESPN.
Images courtesy of Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
