AI fools law professor with anti-Rama Duwaji mural, but basic geography tells the real story

A George Mason University law professor says he verified with Grok that an image of Rama Duwaji was not AI-generated before he shared it online. Comments noted, however, that one crucial thing is wrong in the image of the New York City skyline, strongly suggesting it’s fake.

On March 22, Adam Mossoff, a professor at Virginia’s George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, posted an image of a supposed mural in New York City showing Mayor Zohran Mamdani‘s wife, Rama. Below the supposed mural, it says, “Hamas Cheerleader,” and Mossoff captioned the post,

Excellent mural of Rama Duwaji, wife of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, that appeared in NYC a week ago. Never forget that Duwaji repeatedly cheered October 7 atrocities. If she was wife of Republican mayor of NYC, this would be on front page of NY Times and discussed nonstop on CNN.”

via Adam Mossoff, X

The Rama Duwaji Oct. 7 controversy

Mossoff’s caption refers to the recent controversy surrounding Rama’s allegedly liking or engaging with social media posts related to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel and the war in Gaza, including posts that critics said were sympathetic to Palestinians in the immediate aftermath of the attack. Political opponents argued the posts were offensive, particularly allegations that she interacted with content questioning reports of sexual violence during the attack.

Supporters of Mamdani argue the backlash is part of a broader effort to target pro-Palestinian politicians. They say Mamdani has stated that he condemns the killing of civilians, supports a ceasefire, and defends human rights for both Israelis and Palestinians, and that political attackers are targeting his wife, a private citizen.

Immediately, comments appeared on Mossoff’s post, questioning whether the mural was real. In response, Mossoff noted, “Grok says it’s real (I asked before posting it).” However, the image shows New York’s Chrysler and Empire State Building in the background, and as this comment pointed out, “Dude, it’s AI slop. The Chrysler and Empire State are not that close 🤣🤣🤣.”

Another added,

There’s nowhere where you can see both of those buildings at that angle that also has random brick walls to spray paint on. Maybe you should have looked at Google Maps instead of grok.”

via Elizabeth Joins DSA, X

Meanwhile, there’s also a New York yellow taxi in the photo, and several comments said that the text on the side is garbled when zoomed in on the vehicle. Another noted, “Not NYC or its AI. Lamppost is not a NYC lamppost.”

Mossoff’s apparent oversight could have real-world consequences. Earlier in March, an anti-Islam demonstration was held outside the New York mayor’s Gracie Mansion, drawing protesters who criticized Mamdani’s political views, his support for Palestinian rights, and his Muslim faith.

Demonstrators reportedly carried signs and chanted slogans opposing Islam and immigration, while counterprotesters gathered nearby in support of the mayor and religious tolerance. Police maintained a heavy presence to keep the groups separated and prevent violence.