A viral story about Jerry Dunk, a supposed 1963 New York City hot dog vendor with a sinister secret, has been exposed as an AI-generated fabrication.
The tale, which flooded platforms like Facebook and TikTok, claimed Dunk’s hot dog stand on Main Street served irresistible hot dogs while he lured fathers to “Guy Time” at his stand, only for them to vanish.
The story culminated in a chilling reveal: a hidden basketball court and industrial incinerator in Dunk’s basement, with piles of men’s clothing and Dunk’s cryptic claim, “I’m the king of dunk,” pointing to the incinerator.
The narrative, paired with AI-generated videos falsely depicting NBA star LeBron James as Jerry Dunk, captivated social media users.
However, investigations have confirmed the story is entirely fictional, created using AI tools to craft both the narrative and visuals.
No records of a Jerry Dunk or such events in 1963 New York exist, and the absurdity of the tale, complete with a basketball court and incinerator, marks it as a clear AI fabrication.
