The large-scale release of documents related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, known as the "Epstein files", has once again brought renewed attention to several high-profile individuals associated with the convicted sex offender.
Former US President Bill Clinton has been named in the files and has also reportedly appeared for a deposition before the United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Amid the renewed discussion online, several images claiming to show Clinton with physicist Stephen Hawking are now circulating widely on social media. The posts claim that these photographs are part of the Epstein files.
Images 1 & 2: AI-generated images of Clinton and Hawking in a 'princess costume'
Two of the viral images appear in the same social media post. One shows Clinton carrying Hawking in his arms, while another shows Hawking sitting in a wheelchair wearing what users describe as a "princess costume."
Screengrab from X post by @kristofolioFact
A keyword search did not yield any credible news reports mentioning such photographs as part of the Epstein files. Similarly, reverse image searches of the viral visuals did not lead to any credible news outlets publishing them.
However, a reverse image search of one of the images led us to posts on a Facebook group 'Crazed AI' by a digital creator Marc-André Lavoie (@lavoie.marc9903). The image showing Clinton carrying Hawking was posted in the group on February 28, while the second image was uploaded by the same user on March 1.
According to fact-checking outlet Snopes, Lavoie said the images were created using Grok, a generative AI assistant associated with X. He told Snopes that he had shared the images in communities that clearly focus on AI-generated content to make it clear that they were not real. He added that he did not expect anyone to believe the images were genuine.
We also reached out to the Deepfakes Analysis Unit (DAU) of the TIA, which includes Newschecker, to analyse the images. The DAU checked both images using the AI detection tool AI or Not, which flagged them as likely deepfakes. One of the images was also analysed using Hive Moderation, which found a high probability of AI generation.
We analysed the second image on Hive Moderation, which showed an 82% likelihood of it being AI-generated.
Screengrabs from AI or Not website 
Screengrabs from Hive Moderation website The DAU further noted visual inconsistencies in the images, including unusual-looking fingers in Hawking's hands.
Hence, the findings indicate that the viral images showing Clinton with Hawking are AI-generated and not authentic photographs.
Result: Altered Photo/Video
Image 3: Photo claiming to show a naked Clinton receiving a massage
Anothercirculating on social media claims to show a naked Bill Clinton receiving what appears to be an erotic massage, with users suggesting it is linked to the Epstein files.
Screengrab from X post by @nawazsforceFact
A reverse image search led us to a report by W Magazine, dated March 10, 2019, which discusses staged photographs created by British artist Alison Jackson using celebrity lookalikes.
It featured the viral image with the caption "Alison Jackson, Clinton Massage, 2017. Featured in the exhibition "Mental Images x Alison Jackson," curated by Indira Cesarine and on view at the 2019, "Fact & Fiction" edition of the Spring/Break Art Show."
Screengrab from W Magazine website Newschecker also found the same photograph on Jackson's official website under the Mental Images section, which features several similar staged works involving celebrity lookalikes. The collection includes images referencing figures such as Donald Trump, David Beckham, and members of the British Royal Family. The website also contains behind-the-scenes material showing how some of these images were produced.
This confirms that the viral photograph is a staged artwork featuring a Clinton lookalike, not an authentic image.
Result: False
Sources
Article By Snopes, Dated March 10, 2026
Article By W Magazine, Dated March 10, 2019
DAU Analysis