James Franco says "Maybe I am going crazy" after viral 'alien' claims face scrutiny

Actor doubled down on unusual claims while fresh video fuelled debate after viewers questioned authenticity

James Franco has responded to the intense online reaction surrounding his recent "alien" claims, admitting he has questioned whether he should remain on TikTok after many viewers dismissed the footage he shared as fake.

The actor returned to the platform on July 15 with another video after surveillance clips that he previously uploaded prompted widespread discussion across social media. Franco insisted he had expected the footage to settle the debate, but instead found himself facing a wave of scepticism, jokes and theories suggesting the videos were staged.

Speaking directly to followers, Franco acknowledged the backlash while reflecting on the unexpected response.

"I released the footage and the response is not what I thought it would be. I do not know, maybe I am going crazy," he said at the start of the video.

Franco explained that he believed releasing the security camera footage would convince people that his claims were genuine. Instead, he said many commenters continued to accuse him of creating an elaborate prank, with some suggesting the figure shown was either the actor himself in costume or another person deliberately taking part in the videos.

"I thought if I released my security footage that would be it. Everyone would see that I was not making this up, but reading the comments, I see everyone thinks I am still crazy, and I am a joke," Franco said.

Adding another twist, the latest TikTok video appeared to show the same mysterious figure standing outside a kitchen window behind him while he spoke. The figure briefly moved in and out of view, continuing the storyline that Franco first introduced in early July when he claimed an unidentified visitor had appeared outside his home.

Franco concluded the video by suggesting he might walk away from the platform altogether.

"I was just trying to get the information out. I guess if people do not want to believe, they will not believe," he said. "There are some of you on my side and know I am not making this up. So I do not know, maybe I will just delete the account and try to forget this happened."

The actor first began posting about the alleged encounter in early July before eventually sharing what he described as surveillance footage from his property. One clip appeared to show a figure emerging from bushes, while another showed a similar figure near a garage.

The videos quickly attracted millions of views, although much of the public reaction centred on whether the clips were part of a promotional campaign, a comedy sketch or another creative project rather than evidence of an extraterrestrial encounter.

Several high profile social media users also weighed in. Television personality Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi reacted with a brief "Stop," while many other commenters pointed to Franco's acting background as a reason to question the authenticity of the footage. Others openly wondered whether the videos were connected to an undisclosed film or television production.