Fake AI generated images are being used to trick the masses into thinking the Hollywood Sign is burning down – as deadly wildfires continue to devastated Los Angeles County, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.
The latest horror blaze erupted in the Hollywood Hills on Wendesday and quickly spread to around one mile from the Hollywood Bowl and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It lead to a number of fake photos and video going viral on social media and appearing to show the world-famous structure on fire.
The photos were quickly confirmed to be fake, and as of Friday morning, the iconic landmark is safe from the flames. The fire has however damaged the lights cast upon the structure from below, affecting its visibility. In order to reach the sign, the fires would have to make it past a freeway.
Millionaire slammed after begging private firefighters to save his Palisades mansion from LA wildfires
Popular X account Raw Alerts quickly debunked rumours swirling about the sign, saying the images being shared were “AI-generated”. It said: "The Hollywood sign is not on fire, even though a new fire has started. Numerous news accounts and other pages are sharing fake AI-generated images claiming otherwise. Here’s a current live picture of the Hollywood sign to set the record straight."
The Hollywood sign was originally built in 1923 and was intended to be a temporary sign to promote a new luxury housing development in the Hollywood Hills. At the time, it read "Hollywoodland" and was made of wood and steel.
The Hollywood sign's darkest chapter was etched into history in 1932, when Welsh actress Peg Entwistle infamously climbed to the top of the "H" using a workman's ladder and tragically ended her life by jumping off. Her suicide note was later discovered in her handbag.
Gifted to the City of Los Angeles in 1944, the iconic symbol hit rock bottom, nearly facing demolition due to neglect until Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner stepped up, rallying the funds needed for its 1978 revival.
Today's incarnation stands strong, made of corrugated steel and perched upon a sturdy steel frame, making it significantly more durable and less prone to fire than its original version.
At least 10 people have been killed in the horror blazes so far, with more than 1,000 structures destroyed and at least 150,000 residents forced to flee their homes. Emergency responders, including those in helicopters, were attempting to douse the flames but have faced difficulties due to "erratic winds".
