A viral video circulating across social media platforms has falsely accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of sexually assaulting a former student, Matthew Metro, in 1997. The video, which surfaced on October 17, 2024, claims to feature an individual named Matthew Metro, who alleges that Walz, a former high school teacher, engaged in misconduct over two decades ago. However, it has been thoroughly debunked, with evidence confirming that the video is AI-generated and the accusations are entirely baseless.
In the video, the individual claiming to be Metro describes himself as a survivor of sexual assault. He alleges that the incident took place in 1997 when he was a student at Mankato West High School in Minnesota, where Tim Walz worked as a teacher. He describes a vulnerable time in his life, dealing with his parents’ divorce, and claims he sought comfort from Walz, who allegedly took advantage of him.
“My parents were going through a terrible divorce… Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to. Well, in my case, it was my teacher, Tim Walz,” the individual claims. He further alleges that Walz made inappropriate physical advances during this time.
However, these claims are unfounded, and multiple sources have identified the video as a fabrication.
Several key points debunk the validity of the accusations:
Despite the video gaining traction online, Governor Tim Walz and his team have yet to publicly respond to the false allegations. However, given the clear evidence that the video is fraudulent, it is expected that any official response will reflect the facts and dismiss the claims as baseless.
Governor Walz, who has served as Minnesota’s governor since January 2019, has a long and respected history in education. Before entering politics, he worked as a social studies teacher and football coach at Mankato West High School from 1996 to 2006. His dedication to education and rapport with students became a hallmark of his career, and he has been remembered fondly by many former students for his commitment to their success.
As an educator, Tim Walz was recognized for his hard work and passion. According to Politico, one former student remembered him as “wearing a tie and sweating profusely and just working his a** off as a teacher.” Walz’s dedication to teaching and his ability to connect with students contributed to his strong reputation in the community, which eventually led to his successful political career.
The viral video accusing Governor Tim Walz of sexual assault is unequivocally false. With AI technology becoming more sophisticated, it’s important to remain vigilant in verifying the authenticity of content shared online. In this case, the fabricated video has been thoroughly debunked, with evidence showing that the individual in the video is not the real Matthew Metro, and the claims against Walz are entirely baseless. As social media continues to evolve, users must critically evaluate the information they encounter and be cautious of viral content designed to mislead and manipulate.