A deepfake video circulating online falsely depicts a kiss between UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and Lord Alli. The video, which originated on TikTok, has garnered millions of views and sparked considerable online discussion.
The controversy stems from past donations and gifts from Lord Alli to Starmer and senior Labour ministers, including suits, spectacles, and dresses for his wife, totaling over £310,000.
This financial relationship between Lord Alli and Keir Starmer is the context for the misleading deepfake video.
The article highlights the increasing prevalence of fake news and the role of social media in spreading misinformation.
While acknowledging that having wealthy friends is not inherently wrong, the article emphasizes the importance of propriety and transparency, especially for those in high political office.
It questions whether Starmer's acceptance of Alli's generosity may have made them vulnerable to such fabricated attacks.
The article concludes that neither Starmer nor Alli deserved to be targeted with a fake video, however, their past relationship, and the public nature of their political connections may have contributed to their situation.