Jason Tunney, a Republican candidate for Michigan's 35th State Senate District, has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $25,000 in damages over AI-generated deepfake videos that falsely depicted him in compromising situations. The legal action comes as the Michigan State Police have launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
The lawsuit names Jayden Scott of Bay City as the defendant. Scott was Tunney's former campaign manager and chief of staff for gubernatorial candidate Anthony Hudson. The complaint alleges that Scott used artificial intelligence to create and distribute videos intended to damage Tunney's reputation ahead of the primary election.
The Lawsuit Claims
According to the court filing, the videos falsely portrayed Tunney engaging in conduct he did not commit. The lawsuit states the content was designed to cause a reasonable person to believe the depiction was real.
"The libel and defamation claim states it falsely depicts Plaintiff engaging in conduct he did not engage in, would cause a reasonable person to believe the depiction was real, and was created or altered using artificial intelligence or other digital manipulation," said the lawsuit.
The complaint initially named a "John Doe" defendant before being amended to specifically name Scott.
Scott's Response
Scott has denied creating the videos with malicious intent. He claimed the videos were removed from his website due to authenticity concerns.
"We couldn't confirm the authenticity of the video, so we took it down. This 'Trans for Tunney' was only open for about ten hours," Scott said.
Scott stated that Tunney was targeted because of his perceived support for LGBT causes. He described the legal challenges he faces, including a separate defamation lawsuit from Hudson, as part of an internal battle within the Republican Party.
MSP Investigation Underway
The Michigan State Police have confirmed they are investigating the posting of the deepfake videos. The probe focuses on the criminal aspects of using AI to manipulate election materials.
Tunney released a statement regarding the investigation.
"The amended complaint speaks for itself. I'm grateful for the proactivity of the Michigan State Police in investigating the criminal nature of this matter and look forward to justice being served as the legal process plays out," Tunney said.
Legal Complications for Scott
Scott faces additional legal troubles beyond the Tunney lawsuit. According to Saginaw County court records, Scott has an active bench warrant after his bond was revoked in a reckless driving case. He recently spent seven days in the Bay County Jail connected to a child custody dispute.
Scott acknowledged the mounting legal pressure.
"We are fully prepared for the law-fare that is coming, we expect it to come from all angles, in civil court, and traffic court, and custody court," Scott said.
Why This Matters
The 35th State Senate District covers Saginaw, Bay, and parts of Midland counties. The race is closely watched as it could determine control of the Michigan State Senate. The case also tests Michigan's new laws governing the use of artificial intelligence in elections.
The primary election is approaching, and the outcome will determine which candidates advance to the general election for the state Senate seat.