An influencer has been accused of “faking charity work” after AI-generated children allegedly appeared in videos promoting aid projects.
Lily Jay – whose real name is Lily Jay Hinson – has built a huge online following documenting her conversion to Islam and sharing clips linked to humanitarian work.
The 31-year-old has nearly three million followers on Instagram, with videos appearing to show food and other support being provided to children in countries including Uganda, Nepal and Sudan and in Gaza.
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But some of the youngsters, workers and even Lily herself shown in the content appear to have been created or manipulated using artificial intelligence.
An investigation by ABC NEWS Verify uncovered a trail of apparent AI-generated material on accounts linked to the Lily Jay Foundation.
One clip appeared to show Lily surrounded by smiling African children holding lollipops..
The children and a Lily Jay Foundation banner behind her were also found to have been artificially generated.
The video has since been removed.
The Lily Jay Foundation has claimed to have built a mosque, distributed food, provided education and handed out Qurans.
Its social media accounts have featured material purporting to show projects in several crisis-hit parts of the world.
In footage said to be linked to aid work in Gaza, workers appeared in clothing bearing the foundation’s logo.
Some scenes appeared real while others showed signs of manipulation, as reported by Need To Know.
NOTE: It has not been confirmed whether any of the videos are AI-generated. (Jam Press/@lilyjayfoundation)
NOTE: It has not been confirmed whether any of the videos are AI-generated. (Jam Press/@lilyjayfoundation)
In one clip, a Lily Jay Foundation sign on a truck appeared to flicker over Lily’s arm.
The foundation has also claimed to have opened a bakery in Gaza.
However, investigators were unable to geolocate the bakery or find independent evidence corroborating its existence.
Humanitarian sources working in Gaza reportedly said they had not heard of the foundation or the bakery.
The controversy deepened after a press release announced Lily had won a humanitarian award.
“Lily Jay Honored with 2026 Austral-Global Excellence Award for Humanitarian Leadership,” it said.
Two images appeared to show Lily receiving the accolade.
Analysis cited in the investigation said both images carried an AI-generation watermark indicating they had been created using artificial intelligence.
No mention of the award could be found that was not connected to the foundation or Real Media Group – the PR company that published the announcement.
Lily grew up on Australia’s Sunshine Coast and previously pursued careers in performance, music and dance.
She worked as a burlesque dancer and released a debut single called Renovate before her social media content shifted towards Islam between 2024 and 2025.
The Lily Jay Foundation and Lily did not respond to detailed questions from investigators.
Jam Press has also approached the Lily Jay Foundation for comment.
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NOTE: It has not been confirmed whether any of the videos are AI-generated. (Jam Press/@lilyjayfoundation)
