An American CEO’s attempt at an AI-generated joke during a family trip to Canada has gone viral, sparking strong reactions online and forcing the family to cut their holiday short after the woman said she received death threats.
‘Lake America’ image goes viral
Jane Smith, CEO of Family First Credit Union in Michigan, was travelling to Halifax with three family members for a planned 10-day trip.
Before boarding their flight on September 11, the family discussed the US decision to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America” in federal usage. Smith then used ChatGPT to digitally add matching “Lake America” sweatshirts to a family photograph.
Smith said the image was intended as a joke and was initially posted on her private Facebook account with an indication that it contained AI-generated content. However, her sister later reposted a screenshot publicly without the AI label.
The photograph quickly spread across social media, with many people initially believing the family had actually arrived in Halifax wearing the sweatshirts.
Family returns home amid backlash
The image triggered an angry response from some Canadian social media users, particularly because of the sensitivity surrounding the proposed renaming of Lake Ontario.
Smith later apologised, describing the post as a mistake and acknowledging that people who believed the photograph was genuine could have found it offensive.
She said the family returned to Michigan earlier than planned after she began receiving death threats.
Smith also said the episode changed her view of artificial intelligence, warning that AI-generated images can make something fictional appear real.
Family First Credit Union’s board has publicly distanced itself from the post, saying Smith made it in her personal capacity and that the content did not represent the organisation’s values. The board said it was considering appropriate next steps.