Michael Rowland and Norman Swan have offered a hilarious warning to followers after the ABC personalities were caught up in an AI ‘erection’ scam.
On Friday, the retired newsreader, 57, shared a video to Facebook which depicted him and the physician, 72, promoting a trick to maintain virility.
However, Michael revealed the entire clip has been generated by AI, and joked the fake news story was ‘more than a bit stiff’ for himself and Norman.
‘This would really blow up the internet! But, needless to say, it’s a SCAM. If you come across it in your social media feeds please report it!’ Michael captioned the post.
‘It’s more than a bit stiff for @norman.swan and I… #scam #fakenews #identitytheft.’
The AI video begins with a false depiction of Michael sitting behind the ABC news desk claiming he had unearthed a controversial clip by Norman.
Michael Rowland, 57, and Norman Swan, 72, (pictured) have offered a hilarious warning to followers after the ABC personalities were caught up in an AI ‘erection’ scam
‘Norman Swan blew up the internet this morning by demonstrating a 30 second trick that restores potency in 15 minutes,’ the AI generated Michael said.
‘In less than a minute, Big Pharma blocked the website, deleting the video before millions of people could see it, but our editors found the leaked version.’
An AI generated image of Norman then appeared.
‘We have recorded a short video in which we will show you step-by-step how to restore an erection and return to a normal and passionate sex life,’ he claimed.
‘The video is free, but it won’t stay online for long because it contains information that is often blocked.’
The fake Norman went on to direct viewers to click on a link which he claimed would take them to a ‘recipe’ that would cure erectile dysfunction.
‘You can make love for two hours every night again. Strong erections are not a fantasy, they are a reality, and it’s closer than you think,’ he finished.
Followers flocked to the comments to rib Michael and Norman over the AI scam.
On Friday, the retired newsreader shared a video to Facebook which depicted him and the physician promoting a trick to maintain virility—but the clip had been generated by AI
Followers flocked to the comments to rib Michael and Norman over the AI scam
‘Shouldn’t laugh but the accent,’ one person wrote, while another noted: ‘I can’t help but laugh.’
Someone else added a witty pun: ‘Bit “HARD” to believe!’
‘This more lucrative than Breakfast Show anchoring, Michael?’ said one user, referencing Michael’s retirement from ABC in December 2024.
James Glenday was announced as his replacement as ABC News Breakfast host shortly after Michael left the show.
‘I’m leaving News Breakfast. I’m sorry to the viewers out there for the short notice. I’m not one for long and drawn out farewells and I wanted minimal fuss,’ Michael announced at the time.
‘I love the job, it’s the best job I’ve had in the ABC. In fact, anywhere. But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming “enough!”. And so too is my wife.
‘It’s been an immense privilege to be here for 15 years presenting the news to our viewers. That, to me, has been by far the most important part of the job.’
The veteran journalist anchored the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Michael has also served as Lateline’s economics correspondent and state political reporter in both New South Wales and Victoria.
