With misinformation and fake news spreading faster than ever, celebrities are finding themselves at the centre of false headlines, AI-generated stories and fake news.

From made-up breakups to fake baby photos, stars are taking a stand and calling out false claims, urging fans to not believe everything they see online.

Did Molly-Mae launch a budget-friendly perfume on TikTok?

Last year, Molly-Mae Hague warned fans about AI-generated videos after a fake clip of her promoting a perfume went viral.

She explained in her YouTube vlog: “There’s this clip going round on TikTok… it’s me saying ‘oh I love this perfume’ in my voice, but it’s AI. How scary. And then people are actually buying it thinking I like it, but I have never even smelt it.” The deepfake used footage from a video she posted five years ago.

Even if a video looks and sounds real, it could be fake, always check if it’s coming directly from the celebrity.

Is Pink’s marriage really over?

Pink recently used social media to shut down rumours about her marriage. In a video, the singer said: “So, I was just alerted to the fact that I’m separated from my husband. I didn’t know.” She even named the news outlets and sarcastically thanked them for “letting me know.”

Her message was clear, if the news doesn’t come directly from the person involved, don’t assume it’s true.

Is the viral photo of Joe Sugg’s baby real?

Earlier this year YouTuber Joe Sugg had to confront misinformation after a fake AI-generated photo of him and his partner, Dianne Buswell appeared online. The photo showed the couple holding a newborn baby.

Joe shared on social media: “This is AI. Look, that’s not me. I don’t know who that is, but it’s not me.” Dianne added humorously: “I’m still very much pregnant.”

The pair have since welcomed their baby boy, Bowden Mark Richard Sugg, born on 16 March.

AI can create realistic-looking images that are completely false. Don’t trust photos without checking the source.

Is Martin Lewis endorsing investments?

Financial journalist Martin Lewis warned fans about fake AI videos designed to trick people into giving money.

It's not the first time he has had to challenge false claims stressing: “I do not do adverts” and urging people to treat such content as a scam, ignore ads promising high returns, and report fake content to social media platforms or Citizens Advice.

Scammers can use fake videos to make you spend money, always question anything that asks for your cash online.

How to spot fake news

In a world of misinformation, here are four things you can do to stay safe online:

Check the source: Make sure the story comes from a verified or reliable outlet.

Scrutinise images: AI-generated photos can look real but often contain subtle inconsistencies in hands, lighting or backgrounds.

Cross-reference: Search for multiple sources reporting the story before believing it.

Question viral content: If it seems too shocking or sensational, take a moment to verify before sharing.