Viral Photo Claiming Jeffrey Epstein Is “Alive in Israel” Debunked as AI Hoax
In recent weeks, images circulating online have claimed to show Jeffrey Epstein “alive and well in Israel,” reigniting long-running conspiracy theories about his death.
The claims spread rapidly across social media platforms, with users sharing photos of a grey-haired man wearing sunglasses and alleging that he had been photographed walking in Tel Aviv.
However, digital experts and technology companies have now confirmed that the images are not authentic.
Background: Epstein’s Death and Ongoing Conspiracies
Epstein died in August 2019 at the age of 66 while being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York on federal sex-trafficking charges.
The New York City medical examiner ruled his death a suicide. Despite multiple investigations supporting that conclusion, conspiracy theories have persisted for years, suggesting his death was staged.
The recent public release of additional Epstein-related documents renewed online speculation, creating fertile ground for false claims and manipulated images.
How the Viral Images Spread
The widely shared photos showed a man resembling Epstein standing with two other individuals in what users claimed was Israel.
Posts accompanying the images included statements such as:
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“New images leaked of Epstein in Israel”
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“He’s walking free in Tel Aviv”
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“Proof he’s still alive”
Some users also claimed that Epstein’s alleged gaming account had recently been active from Israel, further fueling speculation.
AI Analysis Confirms Images Were Fake
Digital analysis revealed that the viral photos were generated using artificial intelligence tools.
An assessment by Google Gemini found that the images had been edited or created using AI software. Earlier versions of the images reportedly contained a visible Gemini watermark that was later cropped out before wider sharing.
Experts noted several indicators of artificial generation, including:
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Inconsistent lighting and shadows
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Unnatural facial textures
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Distorted background elements
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Evidence of automated image synthesis
These findings confirmed that the photos were not genuine.
Gaming Rumors Also Disproven
Separate online claims suggested that Epstein’s Fortnite account had recently been active from Israel.
The video game Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, addressed the rumors in an official statement.
The company explained that an unrelated player had changed their username to resemble Epstein’s alleged account name after public documents were released.
Epic Games clarified that:
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The account belonged to a different user
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Only current usernames are visible on tracking sites
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No verified Epstein-related emails exist in their system
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New accounts were created to imitate the name after rumors spread
The company described the situation as a deliberate attempt to mislead viewers.
Why These Hoaxes Gain Traction
Media experts say conspiracy claims involving Epstein continue to spread because of:
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Public mistrust surrounding his death
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High-profile connections in released documents
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Emotional reactions to unresolved questions
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The growing availability of realistic AI tools
With modern image-generation software, highly convincing fake photos can now be created in minutes, making misinformation harder to detect.
Current Official Position
Authorities and multiple independent investigations continue to maintain that Epstein died in custody in 2019.
There is no credible evidence suggesting he is alive or living abroad.
The recent viral images and gaming rumors have been confirmed as fabrications.
Conclusion
The photos claiming to show Jeffrey Epstein “alive in Israel” were created using artificial intelligence and falsely presented as real.
Likewise, reports of gaming activity linked to him were traced to unrelated users exploiting name changes.
Both incidents highlight how easily misinformation can spread online—especially when paired with emerging AI tools and long-standing public suspicions.
Experts urge users to verify sources carefully and remain cautious when encountering sensational claims tied to high-profile cases.