Manning admitted to an "insensitive comment" during his postgame press conference about a video depicting ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
The people wanted to hear from Arch Manning after his Texas Longhorns knocked off then-No. 1 Ohio State in a thrilling 20-point fourth-quarter comeback.
But before the star quarterback could give his postgame remarks, his attention was on a video he had seen on social media. A reporter asked if he had seen an "AI edit" circulating.
Manning had. He pointed one out individually and referenced how it depicted Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
"I’ve seen a few AI edits, that’s about it. I saw an AI edit of Sark’s interview," Manning said. "Y’all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe. It’s hilarious."
The video, generated and edited using artificial intelligence technology, referenced Sarkisian's spirited exchange with Rowe after the game's final buzzer. Sarkisian had declined a postgame interview on the field, instead chanting "Texas fight. Hook 'Em!" into Rowe's microphone before walking off.
The backlash that followed Manning's mention came swiftly on social media, with many calling out his ignorance toward violence against women.
Manning, 22, has issued an apology, stating the following on his Instagram account:
"In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it. It's easy to say I didn't mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that. I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”
Rowe responded with a social media post of her own, explaining that she and Manning had spoke privately and that she publicly accepts his apology.
"Thank you Arch," Rowe said. "I appreciate our conversation about this - which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another."
Manning threw for 195 yards and a touchdown as Texas beat Ohio State 24-23.
The senior quarterback was named the SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week after leading three consecutive touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to defeat the Buckeyes in Austin on Saturday.
The win - one of the largest comebacks over a No. 1-ranked team in rankings history - launched the Longhorns into the top position on the Associated Press and US LBM Coaches rankings after Week 2 of the season.
Texas plays at home against UTSA on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT.
