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Fact check: Karoline Leavitt Tells Denzel Washington “Sit Down, Boy

Checked on July 3, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The analyses reveal that the claim about Karoline Leavitt telling Denzel Washington "Sit Down, Boy" is not supported by credible evidence. Multiple sources explicitly identify this as fictional content:

  • Several analyses confirm these are "dramatized, AI-generated fictional narratives" that do not depict real events [1]
  • One source includes a clear disclaimer stating the stories are "entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only" [2]
  • Snopes debunked similar AI-generated videos claiming Leavitt made comparable statements to other public figures, specifically noting false claims about her telling Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré to "sit down, boy" [3]

The sources consistently describe sensationalized YouTube content and social media posts rather than legitimate news reporting of actual events.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement lacks crucial context about the proliferation of AI-generated misinformation targeting public figures. The analyses reveal:

  • This appears to be part of a broader pattern of fabricated content involving Karoline Leavitt and various celebrities or political figures [3]
  • Content creators benefit financially from generating viral, controversial videos that attract views and engagement, regardless of their truthfulness
  • The entertainment industry and social media platforms profit from sensationalized content that generates clicks and ad revenue
  • Political opponents may benefit from the spread of inflammatory content that damages reputations

The missing context includes the technological ease of creating convincing fake interactions and the lack of verification standards on many social media platforms.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement presents a fabricated interaction as if it were factual, which constitutes clear misinformation. The analyses demonstrate:

  • No credible news sources report this incident as having actually occurred
  • The content appears designed to exploit racial tensions and generate controversy through inflammatory language
  • The statement lacks any journalistic context such as when, where, or under what circumstances this alleged interaction took place
  • AI-generated content is being presented without proper disclosure of its fictional nature [1] [2]

This represents a deliberate attempt to spread false information that could damage reputations and inflame public sentiment. The consistent pattern across multiple debunked sources suggests coordinated misinformation efforts rather than isolated incidents.

Want to dive deeper?
What was the context of Karoline Leavitt's 'sit down, boy' comment to Denzel Washington?
How did Denzel Washington react to Karoline Leavitt's statement?
What are the implications of using the phrase 'sit down, boy' in modern discourse?
Has Karoline Leavitt apologized for her comment to Denzel Washington?
How does this incident reflect on Karoline Leavitt's public image and career?