FACT CHECK: Image of Bono Holding Israeli Flag Is AI-Generated

An X post shows an image of U2 singer Bono and Irish singer Bob Geldof holding Israeli flags, supposedly contradicting their views on apartheid.

Make songs about fighting against apartheid.. then openly support apartheid pic.twitter.com/YIRKUjDPuP

— Pelham (@Resist_05) December 17, 2024

Verdict: False

This image was generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Fact Check:

Bono, lead singer of the Irish rock band U2, has been known to get involved in politics throughout his entire musical career. The Dublin born rock star has been an activist in various humanitarian relief efforts, including a goal of ending poverty in Africa and AIDS research. As the co-founder of ONE, his relief efforts were put on a global stage thanks to a partnership with Apple, although the public thought of it as intrusive and did not take to that very well.

A post on X shows a picture of Bono along with fellow Irish singer Bob Geldof holding Israeli flags in front of a garden. The caption implies that they are hypocrites for supporting Israel despite making songs fighting against apartheid. (RELATED: Does This Video Show Netanyahu Getting Attacked?)

The image is made by AI. Check Your Fact ran the image though the AI detection website TrueMedia, which determined that there was substantial evidence of manipulation.

A Google image search for any authentic pictures of Bono holding the Israeli flag turned up empty, as well.

According to Lead Stories, the image was first circulated by an X account that is known for fake news and satire, even saying so in it’s bio. The account, Dr Harold News, claims that it’s fake image was of the two staging a vigil outside the Israeli Embassy in Dublin. No proof of this supposed vigil exists.