Mario Lopez deletes viral Dodgers AI video with niece after being labelled 'creepy'

Social media users questioned authenticity before television host removed controversial post from his accounts

Mario Lopez has removed a controversial AI generated video featuring his niece after the clip sparked widespread criticism and confusion across social media, with many viewers describing it as unsettling and questioning why it had been posted in the first place.

The television presenter initially shared the video following a visit to a Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Boston Red Sox on August 2, 2026. The clip appeared to show his niece, Kalia Wong, also known as YaYa, eating hot dogs before smearing mustard and relish across her face while Lopez reacted on camera.

Alongside the video, Lopez wrote, "I can't take my niece anywhere!" The post was shared on X, while a similar version also appeared on his Instagram Stories during the family's day at Dodger Stadium.

However, viewers quickly noticed that the footage appeared unnatural. The video was subsequently labelled on X with a Community Notes warning indicating that readers believed it had been created using artificial intelligence. As the post spread online, criticism intensified, with many questioning why an AI generated clip featuring a family member had been published.

Several high profile social media personalities also weighed in. Barstool Sports personality Dan Katz reacted by writing, "What the f**k, Mario?" while fellow Barstool contributor Jeff D Lowe described it as one of the strangest posts he had seen. Journalist Yashar Ali also criticised the clip, calling it "creepy" and expressing concern that the subject of the AI video was Lopez's niece.

The unusual nature of the post led to speculation from some users that Lopez's account may have been hacked. Others believed it was simply an attempt to experiment with AI generated content or create a viral moment. At the time, Lopez offered no public explanation about the video's creation or purpose.

Shortly after the backlash gathered momentum, the original video disappeared from Lopez's X account. Reports also indicated that it was no longer available through his social media pages, suggesting it had been deleted following the growing criticism.

The removal has only added to online discussion, with many users continuing to debate the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create realistic looking videos featuring real people. While AI generated content has become increasingly common across social media, critics argue that using the technology to depict family members or public figures in fabricated situations can quickly blur the line between entertainment and misinformation.

Before the controversy unfolded, Lopez had shared several genuine videos documenting the family's visit to Dodger Stadium. In one Instagram Story, he described it as a "beautiful Sunday" spent with his niece, while both expressed excitement about attending the game. Lopez also posted commentary about the Dodgers' recent acquisition of pitcher Tarik Skubal and voiced optimism about the team's postseason hopes.

The Dodgers ultimately lost 8 to 4 as the Red Sox completed a three game sweep, but the baseball result was soon overshadowed by the viral discussion surrounding Lopez's deleted AI video.

Although the television host has not publicly addressed the controversy or confirmed why the clip was removed.