The WWE Universe witnessed another troubling incident involving artificial intelligence technology this week as former Divas Champion AJ Lee took to social media to publicly condemn a fan for creating and distributing a deepfake video without her consent. The controversial content, which depicted Lee in a compromising situation with an individual identified as Chris Horror, sparked immediate outrage across wrestling communities and raised serious questions about digital ethics and celebrity protection in the modern era.
The Incident: When Fan Obsession Crosses Into Harassment
The controversy began when Chris Horror, a self-described wrestling enthusiast, attended the Big Event NY autograph expo on November 15 at a venue in Long Island, New York. What should have been a routine meet-and-greet interaction between a fan and one of WWE’s most iconic performers took a disturbing turn when Horror allegedly used artificial intelligence technology to manipulate footage from their encounter[1][2].
The altered video, which was subsequently posted across multiple social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, depicted Lee and Horror engaged in a kissing scene—content that never occurred during their actual meeting. The deepfake video circulated online with various hashtags and references, gaining traction among certain segments of the online wrestling community before Lee became aware of its existence[1].
Horror’s social media handle, @Chris_HorrorYT, became the epicenter of the controversy as the fan continued to promote the manipulated content across different platforms. The video remained publicly accessible on his channels for several days, accumulating views and engagement before WWE and its fanbase mobilized to address the situation[2].
AJ Lee’s Swift Response: Drawing a Line in the Sand
Rather than ignore the offensive content, Lee demonstrated the same fierce determination that characterized her legendary in-ring career by immediately addressing the situation on her social media accounts. In a direct and unambiguous statement, the returning WWE superstar called out the behavior for what it was: harassment and inappropriate conduct[1][2].
“This is inappropriate and it is harassment,” Lee wrote on Twitter, following her message with a direct demand: “Please delete.”
Lee’s response reflected not only her personal frustration but also sent a broader message to the wrestling community about the boundaries of acceptable fan behavior. As someone who has built a reputation throughout her career for being outspoken on social issues and never shying away from controversial topics, Lee’s willingness to publicly confront this situation demonstrated her commitment to protecting her image and dignity[1].
According to a WWE insider familiar with the situation, “The company takes these matters extremely seriously. AJ’s response was measured but firm, and WWE’s legal team has been monitoring the situation closely to determine what options are available to address this type of digital misconduct.”
The Legal Dimension: Federal Law Meets Digital Manipulation
What makes this incident particularly significant is the legal framework that now surrounds such deepfake content creation. In May 2025, federal legislation known as the TAKE IT DOWN Act was signed into law, establishing explicit criminal penalties for the creation and distribution of non-consensual intimate imagery created or manipulated using artificial intelligence technology[2].
Under this legislation, the penalties for violating the act are substantial. Individuals convicted of publishing non-consensual intimate imagery or deepfakes of adults face potential prison sentences of up to two years and/or significant financial fines[2]. The law specifically targets content that appears “indistinguishable” from genuine footage to a reasonable person, which would seemingly apply directly to the video created by Horror[2].
The existence of this federal statute adds considerable weight to Lee’s demands and raises the possibility that Horror’s actions could result in serious legal consequences beyond simple social media backlash. Legal experts have noted that the video’s continued presence on public platforms could expose Horror to federal prosecution, depending on investigation findings and prosecutorial discretion.
The Broader Context: AJ Lee’s Return and the Women’s Wrestling Evolution
Lee’s current position in WWE carries additional significance given her recent return to the company after a decade-long absence. The multi-time Divas Champion made her triumphant comeback to the organization in September 2025, marking a monumental moment for both the performer and WWE fans who had long awaited her return[1].
During her original run with WWE, Lee became one of the most popular performers on the roster, helping to spearhead the evolution of women’s wrestling during an era when female competitors received significantly less promotional attention and match time compared to their male counterparts[1]. Her character resonated deeply with audiences, and she accumulated multiple championship reigns in a relatively short timeframe[1].
Now, with Lee back in the fold and positioned prominently for major events including the upcoming Survivor Series, her status as a featured performer makes her an even more visible target for obsessive fan behavior. The timing of this incident, coming just weeks after her return, underscores the challenges that high-profile WWE personalities face in the social media age.
The Deepfake Problem in Professional Wrestling
This incident is far from isolated within the wrestling community. The accessibility of AI technology and the growing sophistication of deepfake creation tools have created a troubling trend of non-consensual digital manipulation targeting wrestlers, celebrities, and public figures across the entertainment spectrum.
The wrestling industry, with its passionate and sometimes obsessive fanbase, has proven particularly vulnerable to such abuses. Unlike traditional celebrity scandals, deepfake technology allows bad actors to create entirely fabricated scenarios that can spread rapidly across social media before legitimate authorities can intervene.
Moving Forward: Accountability and Community Standards
As of the latest reports, Horror’s video remained accessible on his social media channels despite Lee’s public demands for its removal[2]. This persistence highlights a critical gap between individual demands for content removal and the actual enforcement mechanisms available through social media platforms.
The incident serves as a wake-up call for the wrestling community about the importance of maintaining respectful boundaries between performers and fans. While the vast majority of wrestling enthusiasts engage with their favorite performers appropriately, the actions of individuals like Horror demonstrate why the community must collectively establish and enforce standards of acceptable conduct.
WWE’s response to this situation will likely set precedent for how the company handles similar incidents moving forward. With federal law now explicitly criminalizing such behavior, the company possesses additional tools to protect its talent from digital harassment and exploitation.
For AJ Lee, this controversy represents yet another chapter in her ongoing advocacy for respectful treatment and dignity—values she has championed throughout her career both inside and outside the ring. Her willingness to confront this situation publicly sends an important message that even in the digital age, some lines simply cannot be crossed.