When an audio clip allegedly featuring a local school principal making offensive comments went viral, it led to death threats against the educator and shook the Pikesville suburb near Baltimore. However, the clip was soon revealed to be an AI-generated fake—but many still believe it’s real.
The audio, which surfaced in January, appeared to feature Pikesville High School Principal Eric Eiswert making derogatory remarks, including racist and antisemitic slurs. It opened with, “I seriously don’t understand why I have to constantly put up with these dumbasses here every day,” and went on to criticize “ungrateful black kids” and Jewish people in the community. The recording quickly spread, stirring outrage in Pikesville, a diverse area with significant Black and Jewish populations.
Although the clip was later debunked as being artificially manipulated, the damage was done. Eiswert was placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation, and many locals remained convinced of its authenticity.
Alfie Malone, a Black resident of nearby Baltimore, was among those who initially believed the clip. “In the back of your mind, you think this is how people really feel about us,” said Malone, reflecting on his reaction to the audio. He even compared the fake clip to real recordings of the principal before sharing it on social media.
Despite the clip’s exposure as a fabrication, the incident highlights how AI-manipulated content can fuel misinformation, even after the truth emerges.
