A Michigan credit union has ended the employment of its CEO, Jane Smith, following a controversy over a social media post featuring an AI-edited family photograph with the words “Lake America” on their sweaters.
Family First Credit Union confirmed that Smith was no longer employed by the organisation, effective immediately. The announcement came after the post attracted widespread criticism, particularly from people in Canada.
The photograph was reportedly taken at Detroit airport while Smith and her family were travelling to Halifax, Canada. Smith later used ChatGPT to edit the image, adding “Lake America” to the family's sweaters.
The phrase refers to a name associated with US President Donald Trump. Trump had directed federal agencies to use the name “Lake Ontario” in a related naming change announced in late August.
Smith posted the edited photograph on Facebook on September 11, the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Her caption included a reference to Canada and ended with “Lol lol”.
The post quickly drew criticism online. Some Canadian users considered the image insensitive, particularly because it was posted while Smith and her family were travelling to Halifax.
The backlash also focused on Halifax's role in assisting thousands of airline passengers who were diverted there following the closure of US airspace after the September 11 attacks.
The post was later removed. Smith subsequently apologised and said she had not intended to make a political statement. She explained that the family had been “poking fun” at the proposed renaming of the Great Lake.
Smith also acknowledged that she understood why people in Halifax could find the image offensive and said she regretted any post that suggested a lack of respect for them.
Despite the apology, Family First Credit Union announced that Smith's employment had ended. The organisation said it regretted the concern and disappointment caused by the incident and emphasised its responsibility to maintain the trust of its members and community.
Jason Acosta has been named to take over Smith's leadership responsibilities on an interim basis.
The controversy has also highlighted the growing use of generative AI tools to alter personal photographs for social media and the potential consequences when edited content is interpreted as political or offensive.
The credit union said community members may have different views about its decision but maintained that it acted in what it considered the best interests of the organisation and its members.
Reader Comments 0