Eva Mendes calls out AI image showing Ryan Gosling and Johnny Depp together

Instagram page admitted artificially generated image after actress demanded clearer labelling, prompting authenticity

Eva Mendes has publicly called out an Instagram account after it shared an AI generated image that falsely appeared to show Ryan Gosling, Johnny Depp and content creator Slopaxo together at Comic Con. The actress quickly stepped into the comments to correct the record, prompting the account to acknowledge the image was artificially created and promise clearer labelling in future.

The post, shared by the Instagram account Opa Visions, claimed that "some of our favorite moments from Comic Con were not on stage" and suggested Gosling, Depp had been spotted moving through the crowds together. The caption described them as "the unlikeliest best friend trio" and referred to candid walks, conversations with fans and spontaneous moments that supposedly became one of the event's highlights.

Although the image and accompanying caption were presented in a realistic style, the scene never actually happened. The post was created using artificial intelligence, leading some viewers to believe it depicted a genuine celebrity encounter.

Mendes responded directly beneath the upload with a short but pointed message. "FAKE. Please let people know when you're putting out AI."

Her comment rapidly attracted attention, with many social media users praising her for addressing the misleading post and encouraging greater transparency around AI generated content involving public figures.

Following Mendes' response, the account edited its position and issued a public acknowledgement. In a reply directed to the actress, the creator wrote, "DISCLAIMER: THIS WAS AI Thank you for saying something. You're right, and I'll be more clear going forward."

The account also expressed admiration for Gosling's work, writing that The Nice Guys and The Place Beyond the Pines were among its favourite films and had inspired the type of stories it hoped to create. The creator concluded by wishing Mendes and Gosling the best before adding that they had also enjoyed Mendes' performance in Hitch. The response also mistakenly referenced Ghost Rider, despite Mendes not appearing in that film.

The exchange arrives as AI generated celebrity images continue to spread widely across social media platforms, often blurring the line between fiction and reality. Improvements in image generation technology have made fabricated photographs increasingly convincing, creating fresh challenges for audiences attempting to distinguish authentic images from digital creations.

Public figures have become frequent subjects of these fabricated posts because recognisable faces tend to attract high engagement. While some creators clearly label AI artwork from the outset, others either fail to do so or add disclaimers only after questions are raised, increasing the risk that viewers will mistake fictional scenes for genuine events.

Comic Con has long produced memorable celebrity moments, making it an ideal setting for fabricated images that can appear believable at first glance. This latest incident demonstrates how easily fictional celebrity encounters can gain traction when presented in a realistic format without prominent disclosure.

Neither Gosling nor Depp has publicly commented on the AI image.