Katy Perry and Rihanna didn’t attend the Met Gala. But AI-generated images still fooled fans

This combination of AP file photos shows Rihanna at the FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty Earth Tone sneaker launch party in London on April 17, 2024, left, and Katy Perry at the 35th Annual Colleagues Spring Luncheon and Oscar de la Renta Fashion Show in Beverly Hills, California, on April 25, 2024. — AP

NEW YORK: No, Katy Perry and Rihanna didn't attend the Met Gala this year. But that didn't stop AI-generated images from tricking some fans into thinking the stars made appearances on the steps of fashion's biggest night.

Deepfake images depicting a handful of big names at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual fundraiser quickly spread online May 6 and early May 7.