Statement from Ed Cox on Blake Gendebien's Sexist Deepfake Attack

Calls on Gendebien to apologize, Hochul, Gillibrand to condemn

ALBANY - NYGOP Chair Ed Cox today issued the following statement condemning the deeply offensive and sexist deepfake video targeting Congresswoman Elise Stefanik by Democratic congressional candidate Blake Gendebien:

“Blake Gendebien’s AI-generated attack video against Congresswoman Stefanik represents a new low in political discourse and a blatantly sexist assault on one of New York’s most accomplished public servants. This digitally manipulated video, which depicts Representative Stefanik in demeaning scenarios, is misogynistic political theater designed to objectify and diminish a serious legislator.

“When deepfake technology is weaponized to perpetuate sexist stereotypes and reduce a powerful woman to a caricature, it crosses every line of decency and respect. This attack would never have been made against a male politician.

“I call on Blake Gendebien to immediately apologize to Congresswoman Stefanik, remove this offensive content from all platforms, and pledge that his campaign will conduct itself with the dignity and respect that New York voters deserve. I further call on Governor Hochul and Senator Gillibrand, who claims to be a fierce defender of women in the public arena, to condemn this sexist attack and make clear that such tactics have no place in New York politics.”