Aditya Sisodia
In recent days, a series of AI-generated photos featuring Hollywood actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson, widely known as “The Rock,” dressed as a priest and engaged in Hindu prayer rituals have been circulating online. However, it is essential to clarify that these images are not real, and the claims suggesting that Johnson has embraced Hinduism or converted to the religion are entirely false.
The viral photos, which have gained traction on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, have sparked misleading narratives. One Twitter user, Gopal Goswami, shared one of the images accompanied by a caption falsely stating that Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock,” was participating in Hindu traditions. However, Goswami later clarified in a subsequent tweet that the photos were generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Investigations reveal that the images were produced through a generative AI tool called Midjourney. Bhargav Valera, the creator of the images, originally posted them on Facebook in April 2023, explicitly stating that they were AI-generated art. Valera’s Facebook post included three photos of Dwayne Johnson dressed as a Sadhu, or holy man, engaging in worship at a Hindu temple. He mentioned using the AI tool Midjourney to create these conceptual artworks.
One notable indication that the images are AI-generated is the anomalous appearance of Johnson’s fingers. Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that his fingers lack the typical human-like characteristics. The oversized thumb and the blending of the aarti plate (a Hindu ritual item) with Johnson’s fingers are clear indications of AI manipulation. It is widely known that AI tools often struggle to accurately recreate hands and fingers in images, and these photos exhibit those telltale signs.
Despite the viral circulation of these AI-generated photos, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that Dwayne Johnson has converted to Hinduism or publicly engaged in Hindu rituals. No news reports or official statements from Johnson himself have been found to corroborate these false narratives.
Artificial intelligence and generative tools have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to produce realistic and convincing images based on simple text prompts. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and critical thinking when encountering such content on social media platforms, as it can be easily manipulated and misused to spread misinformation.
The circulation of these AI-generated photos highlights the importance of verifying information and fact-checking before accepting claims at face value. Misleading narratives can quickly gain traction in the digital age, emphasizing the need for media literacy and responsible sharing practices.
In conclusion, the AI-generated photos depicting Dwayne Johnson dressed as a Hindu priest and engaging in Hindu prayer rituals are not real. These images were created using an AI tool called Midjourney by artist Bhargav Valera. The false claims surrounding Johnson’s conversion to Hinduism or participation in Hindu traditions lack credible evidence. It is crucial to be cautious and discerning when consuming and sharing content online to prevent the spread of misinformation.
