(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland has released a statement on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 concerning a meme of himself that he says is, “promoting something I would never endorse or support.”
The full notice is below:
It has been brought to my attention by several concerned residents that an AI generated meme of myself promoting something I would never endorse or support is circulating online. The individual behind the meme is unfortunately well known to me. The AI generated meme, despite its one hundred per cent false narrative, clearly has nothing to do with me and I absolutely do not in any way, shape or form agree with the words as depicted. Quite to the contrary.
This childish and amateurish depiction, however, belies a far greater concern. As we enter a new municipal election cycle we must be ever vigilant, as both candidates and residents, about the potential weaponization of powerful new AI tools. While this AI generation is laughably crude, AI can create incredibly lifelike images that can be difficult to discern from reality.
These cyber-attacks or cyber manipulations have no place in the wider realm of election public discourse.
I have included a link to this meme, not to amplify its disingenuous and patently false narration, but as a caution. I strongly urge, as municipal campaigns get underway, if you see anything unclear or concerning posted online, please reach out to the candidates in question to directly verify anything that may seem suspect.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWzPsEIFJwE/
Lucas Cleveland
Mayor of Cobourg
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
