Brady Tkachuk denies AI video claims after Olympic gold victory controversy
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 28, 2026, 06:11 IST
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Brady Tkachuk denies AI video claims after Olympic gold victory controversy
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Brady Tkachuk responded after a White House TikTok video used AI-generated audio to make it appear he insulted Canadians following the United States’ 2-1 overtime victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The video was labeled as containing AI-generated media, but Tkachuk said the voice was not his and did not reflect his character. Speaking in Ottawa, the Senators captain emphasized his respect for both countries and denied also shouting comments about closing the northern border during a celebratory phone call with President Donald Trump. Tkachuk, who has spent his entire NHL career in Canada’s capital, said he gives everything to the city while proudly representing the United States internationally. Both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams won Olympic gold, later visiting the White House. Tkachuk said he hopes the focus remains on the team’s historic achievement rather than a fake video.
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Brady Tkachuk pushed back this week after a TikTok video shared by the White House made it look like he insulted Canadians. The video used fake audio and included a label saying it contained AI generated media. Tkachuk said the clip was not real and did not reflect who he is.
“It’s clearly fake because it’s not my voice and not my lips moving,” Tkachuk told reporters in Ottawa. He also added that he would never use those kinds of words and has no control over those social media accounts.
The controversy came just days after the United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Tkachuk played a dominant role in the tournament and celebrated with teammates after the win. During a phone call with President Donald Trump in the locker room, some fans believed Tkachuk shouted a comment about closing the northern border. However he denied those allegations as well and said the voice in the clip was not his.
The 26 year old, is the captain of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and has spent his entire pro career in Canada’s capital. He said he gives everything he has to the city and respects both countries. “First and foremost, I’ve given absolutely everything I have as an Ottawa Senator, blood, sweat and tears,” he said. “When you represent the U.S., being an American, it’s an honor.”
Several members of the men’s team visited the White House and later attended the State of the Union address, where they received a long standing ovation. The U.S. women’s team also won gold by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime, marking the first time the Americans swept both Olympic hockey tournaments.
As players return to their NHL clubs, Tkachuk said he wants the focus to stay on the team’s achievement on the ice. The gold medal run was historic. He does not want a fake video to change that.
“It’s clearly fake because it’s not my voice and not my lips moving,” Tkachuk told reporters in Ottawa. He also added that he would never use those kinds of words and has no control over those social media accounts.
The controversy came just days after the United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Tkachuk played a dominant role in the tournament and celebrated with teammates after the win. During a phone call with President Donald Trump in the locker room, some fans believed Tkachuk shouted a comment about closing the northern border. However he denied those allegations as well and said the voice in the clip was not his.
The 26 year old, is the captain of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and has spent his entire pro career in Canada’s capital. He said he gives everything he has to the city and respects both countries. “First and foremost, I’ve given absolutely everything I have as an Ottawa Senator, blood, sweat and tears,” he said. “When you represent the U.S., being an American, it’s an honor.”
Several members of the men’s team visited the White House and later attended the State of the Union address, where they received a long standing ovation. The U.S. women’s team also won gold by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime, marking the first time the Americans swept both Olympic hockey tournaments.
As players return to their NHL clubs, Tkachuk said he wants the focus to stay on the team’s achievement on the ice. The gold medal run was historic. He does not want a fake video to change that.