A fake audio clip of a school principal making derogatory comments went viral online, causing controversy and sparking death threats. The clip was later revealed to be manipulated by artificial intelligence, but many people still believed it to be real. The incident caused tension in the suburb of Pikesville, which has large black and Jewish communities, and the principal was put on leave pending an investigation. Some community members, like Alfie Malone, initially believed the clip to be genuine, as it seemed to confirm their fears about how they are perceived.