Big Event NY Issues Lifetime Ban Following AI Scandal
The Big Event NY Expo has handed a lifetime ban to a fan who created and circulated a fake AI-generated video of former WWE superstar AJ Lee, depicting a non-consensual kiss at a recent meet-and-greet. The video, manufactured by a fan known as Chris Horror, went viral and prompted swift condemnation from both Lee and the wider wrestling community[1][4].
How The Incident Unfolded
AJ Lee, a beloved figure in wrestling, attended the Big Event NY Expo in Long Island in November 2025 for a public signing and photo session with fans[3][4]. During the convention, Chris Horror took part in a routine meet-and-greet with Lee. However, the situation escalated when he later posted an altered AI video on social media, falsely portraying AJ Lee being pulled into a kiss by him—a moment that never transpired at the event[1][2][4].
The video, titled “AI Caitlin Chris & AJ Lee,” sparked immediate backlash. Lee herself swiftly responded online, stating, “This is inappropriate and it is harassment. Please delete.” Despite Lee’s direct request, the fan refused to remove the video[1][5][6].
AJ Lee Responds: “This is Inappropriate and Harassment”
AJ Lee’s public reaction was unequivocal. She called out the video for what it was: digital manipulation bordering on harassment. Her statement, widely shared across social media platforms, read: “This is inappropriate and it is harassment. Please delete.”[2][3][4][5]
Lee’s stance resonated with fans and colleagues alike, as many pointed out the growing risks posed by AI technology when misused to create false or intimate imagery without consent[1][4].
Fan’s Defiant Response Fuels Further Outrage
Instead of retracting the video, Chris Horror engaged with social media users who called the clip “flattering,” responding with “Thank you!!!!” and posting a GIF of Vince McMahon. This dismissive attitude intensified the situation, angering both fans and industry insiders who viewed the act as a clear violation of Lee’s personal boundaries[4].
Big Event NY Responds: Respect Wrestlers’ Boundaries
In light of the ongoing controversy and the fan’s refusal to remove the video, Big Event NY issued a strong statement via Twitter, confirming that Chris Horror has been permanently banned from all future shows[1]. Their decision underscores a broader industry push for stricter policies to protect talent from AI-based harassment and image manipulation.
“Respect wrestlers, their boundaries, and their image,” the expo organizers stated, sending a clear message to fans and future event attendees[1].
Legal Implications: Federal Law on AI Manipulation
The incident comes just months after the enactment of the TAKE IT DOWN Act in May 2025. The law criminalizes the distribution of intimate images or videos created or manipulated with AI without the subject’s consent, provided the content appears “indistinguishable” from reality to a reasonable person[3]. Violators face penalties of up to two years in prison and/or a substantial fine, signaling the seriousness with which authorities now treat nonconsensual deepfakes and similar offenses[3].
Legal experts have noted that the AJ Lee video, as described, could be subject to investigation under this act if it is determined to meet the criteria for nonconsensual intimate imagery[3].
A Growing Problem: Wrestlers Call for More Protection
AJ Lee is not alone in facing inappropriate fan behavior fueled by digital technology. WWE stars such as CM Punk and Drew McIntyre have publicly called out similar incidents, urging fans to respect boundaries and refrain from invasive actions—whether in person or online[2][5][7].
CM Punk recently posted, “Do not turn up at airports. Do not show up at hotels. I cannot believe I have to say this. DO NOT FOLLOW PEOPLE. You are not a fan, you are a stalker and will be treated as such. Respect the boundaries. Stop harassing people.”[5][7]
Backstage Reaction: Calls for Industry-Wide Change
According to a WWE insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, “There’s real concern backstage about what happened to AJ. Wrestlers already deal with enough pressure from fans at signings and appearances. Now, with AI, there’s a new layer of risk. Management is actively reviewing protocols for events to ensure talent feels safe and respected.”
Sources close to WWE have revealed that stricter rules around fan conduct and use of digital technology at conventions are being discussed. The goal is to prevent similar incidents and reassure performers that their privacy and personal boundaries will be protected.
Community Response: Fans Rally Behind AJ Lee
The wrestling community has overwhelmingly supported AJ Lee, denouncing the video and voicing solidarity on social media. Many fans have called for the video’s removal and demanded better protections for talent at public events[4][5][7].
WWE fans were especially vocal about the emotional impact such incidents can have on performers. As one fan tweeted, “Wrestlers give us so many memories. The least we can do is respect their boundaries and privacy.”
The Future: Stricter Policies and Digital Safeguards
This high-profile case has reignited debate over how fan conventions and wrestling promotions should respond to AI-based harassment. Industry experts suggest the following steps may soon become standard practice:
- Comprehensive education for fans about boundaries and consent.
- On-site staff trained to handle digital harassment or inappropriate conduct.
- Clear policies banning the creation and sharing of altered or AI-generated images involving talent.
- Collaboration with social media platforms to swiftly remove nonconsensual content.
AJ Lee’s Legacy: Standing Strong Against Harassment
AJ Lee’s willingness to confront harassment head-on has set a new standard for how talent can respond to digital exploitation. By speaking out, she has not only protected her own image but also sparked vital conversations about wrestler safety in the age of AI.
As one backstage source put it, “AJ’s courage in calling out this behavior reminds everyone that wrestlers are people first. The industry is listening, and change is coming.”
The lifetime ban handed down by Big Event NY serves as a stark warning: the intersection of fandom and technology demands new rules—and above all, respect for the stars who make wrestling great.