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Thursday, Apr 30, 2026
Outside the box.
US influencer Wesley "Billion Dollar" Virgin faces backlash for using deepfake ads
Notable figures like Piers Morgan, Nigella Lawson, and Oprah Winfrey have condemned the use of AI deepfake technology in online ads that falsely implied their endorsement of Wesley Virgin’s contentious self-help course, "Genie Script."
Priced at $37, this course is promoted by Virgin as a motivational tool he claims has contributed to his self-professed $40 million net worth and a following of over a million on Instagram.
Priced at $37, this course is promoted by Virgin as a motivational tool he claims has contributed to his self-professed $40 million net worth and a following of over a million on Instagram.
The deceptive ads showcased a 20-word "missing" scripture from the Hebrew Bible that Virgin alleges can transform lives. These ads mesh pseudo-scientific claims and celebrity impersonations to attract consumers seeking life changes.
One ad used AI to mimic Nigella Lawson's voice, falsely crediting her success to the Genie Script, while another ad misrepresented Piers Morgan's TV show to insinuate biblical secrets to wealth and love. Morgan stated that such misrepresentations via deepfake AI target the public by leveraging fake celebrity endorsements to sell products.
Despite takedowns by YouTube for violating policies against deceptive content, and Meta taking similar actions, videos remain on Virgin's YouTube channel, where he recruits volunteers to promote his courses for commission.
He advertises on social media platforms with promises of "free meditation" leading to sales pitches filled with unfounded claims and false religious narratives.
The promotion materials include antisemitic undertones, incorrectly stating Jewish success stems from "manifestation secrets" from a non-existent extra page in the Hebrew Bible.
Theology scholars like Prof. Nathan McDonald refute these claims, pointing out the actual Codex Sassoon lacks pages rather than containing hidden secrets.
Added celebrity misuse includes Kevin O'Leary, whose spokesman clarified that a clip used in Virgin's campaign was bought under false pretenses and would be contested.
Following policy violations, the sales platform Digistore24 announced plans to sever ties with Virgin. Meanwhile, the influencer remains undeterred, continuing to sell his "dream" on social media as a pathway to riches. Despite requests, Virgin has not further clarified his business methods to the media.
One ad used AI to mimic Nigella Lawson's voice, falsely crediting her success to the Genie Script, while another ad misrepresented Piers Morgan's TV show to insinuate biblical secrets to wealth and love. Morgan stated that such misrepresentations via deepfake AI target the public by leveraging fake celebrity endorsements to sell products.
Despite takedowns by YouTube for violating policies against deceptive content, and Meta taking similar actions, videos remain on Virgin's YouTube channel, where he recruits volunteers to promote his courses for commission.
He advertises on social media platforms with promises of "free meditation" leading to sales pitches filled with unfounded claims and false religious narratives.
The promotion materials include antisemitic undertones, incorrectly stating Jewish success stems from "manifestation secrets" from a non-existent extra page in the Hebrew Bible.
Theology scholars like Prof. Nathan McDonald refute these claims, pointing out the actual Codex Sassoon lacks pages rather than containing hidden secrets.
Added celebrity misuse includes Kevin O'Leary, whose spokesman clarified that a clip used in Virgin's campaign was bought under false pretenses and would be contested.
Following policy violations, the sales platform Digistore24 announced plans to sever ties with Virgin. Meanwhile, the influencer remains undeterred, continuing to sell his "dream" on social media as a pathway to riches. Despite requests, Virgin has not further clarified his business methods to the media.
