Local Politics · Asheville, NC
Asheville Drag Queen Claims AI Attack Ad Falsely Links Her to Candidate Ager
Nova, an Asheville-area drag queen, alleges that a political attack ad targeting Democratic Congressional candidate Jamie Ager was fabricated using artificial intelligence. The ad, produced by Republican candidate Jennifer Balkcom’s campaign, depicts Ager with drag performers in a scenario Nova states never occurred and for which she was not contacted. Nova has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Balkcom’s campaign, which confirmed paying for the ad but declined further comment. The controversy highlights concerns about AI-generated political messaging in North Carolina, where no current law mandates disclosure of such use.