Image from Copenhagen Demonstration Sparks Controversy
An image from this past weekend’s demonstration in Copenhagen has ignited a firestorm across social media platforms.
New documentation from DR sheds light on the incident at the heart of this debate.
The photograph features a man clad in black, seen healing during the protest in Østerbro. Organized by the movement known as ‘Det danske folk,’ the demonstration coincided with Denmark’s flag day, honoring its deployed soldiers. Many attendees donned the national colors of red and white, voicing slogans calling for remigration and declaring, “Out with political Islam.”
This striking image was captured by a photographer affiliated with the progressive research collective Redox. It was subsequently shared by notable figures, including Pelle Dragsted, the leader of Enhedslisten.
Allegations of AI Manipulation Arise
What followed was a flurry of speculation. Various social media users began to suggest that the image of the healing man may have been artificially generated.
Doubts emerged when observers noted what appeared to be a woman standing next to the subject, seemingly possessing three legs at first glance. “Could someone please move the three-legged woman from the Nazi?” one user quipped, a remark shared by Jacob Harris, a Norwegian MP who has since transitioned to freelance work.
“Even without being a tech aficionado, you can sense this image has the hallmarks of AI manipulation,” Harris commented on Facebook, critiquing how the narrative subsequently found its way into mainstream media and political discourse.
Experts Weigh In: No Evidence of AI
DR reached out to three experts for clarity. A thorough review, including additional photos and videos capturing the same moment, revealed no signs that the image was AI-generated.
“I don’t see any indicators that this is an AI creation,” stated Lotte Philipsen, director of the Center for Aesthetics of AI Images at Aarhus University. Her sentiment was echoed by Peder Hammerskov, head of the Center for AI at Denmark’s Media and Journalism College, who expressed skepticism about the claims of artificial generation.
“It seems plausible that the image is authentic; I find no reason to suspect AI involvement,” he affirmed.
Addressing Optical Illusions
Experts are particularly concerned that the debate over authenticity is overshadowed by the existence of confirmed images and videos documenting the event, including a photograph from the reputable agency Scanpix.
“There is no question about the occurrence of a man in black performing healing,” they asserted, referring to the confirmed imagery.
In the Scanpix image, the woman creating the ‘third leg’ illusion is fully visible, sporting pink shoes and a knitted vest. Philipsen warned against hastily attributing AI manipulation to odd visual effects. “Just because something appears odd in a photograph does not mean it is AI-generated. Timing and angle can create bizarre results,” she cautioned.
Further Insight from AI Specialists
Jonathan Løw, an AI expert and lecturer, also reviewed the photograph. He concluded, “My evaluation is that the image is real.” However, he did note a peculiar detail—an arm extended towards the camera, seemingly making an obscene gesture. Despite its unusual appearance, he acknowledged that context can explain these visual anomalies.
New Evidence Confirms Authenticity
DR has accessed several additional photographs from the demonstration series, which illustrate that what was initially perceived as a third leg is in fact another woman partially obscured in the original image. The same applies to the arm in question, confirming its authenticity.
In a comparative analysis, DR highlights the original image—reviled for allegedly being AI-generated—and presents the new images, further reinforcing the validity of the event and dispelling the ongoing speculation.
