A social media user on X, identified as Enori, has publicly apologised after admitting that she fabricated an image showing an Itel Power Tank allegedly damaged in an explosion.
The image, which was shared on X earlier in the week, claimed that the device had exploded as a result of overcharging.
The post subsequently attracted widespread attention before it was deleted. Enori later admitted that the incident never occurred and that both the claim and the image had been created using artificial intelligence.
In a video shared on X, she apologised to Itel, its customers and members of the public who may have been misled by the post.
“Hi, good morning, everybody. I made a post three days ago claiming that an Itel solar fan exploded and that it was overcharging, which I created using AI. It didn’t happen, and I’m very, very sorry to the Itel team and to the Itel customers,” she said.
Enori also acknowledged the potential impact of the false claim on Itel’s reputation.
“I know what it feels like to have a brand and for someone to just try to bring it down, and it was never my intention. I didn’t know it would go this far. I didn’t even think of it, and I’ll never do it again,” she said.
She further clarified that the image circulating online did not depict a genuine incident.
“To the incoming customers that may have felt deceived, or angry, or felt like or believed that it was real, it was not real. It was AI, and I deleted it,” she added.
The apology came shortly after Itel issued a disclaimer on Wednesday regarding the viral image, which purportedly showed an Itel Power Tank after an explosion allegedly caused by overcharging.
The company described the image as fabricated and warned that it could take legal action against individuals who deliberately circulate AI-generated images or false information intended to damage its reputation.
In its disclaimer posted on X, Itel said it would not tolerate attempts to tarnish its brand or mislead customers through fabricated content, manipulated materials or false claims.
The company said such deliberate misrepresentation could attract appropriate legal action and that it would explore available legal remedies to protect its reputation, customers and brand integrity.
Itel markets the Power Tank as a portable power station designed to provide backup power during power outages.
According to the company, the device uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and features safety measures including a battery management system, as well as over-temperature, over-voltage, overload and short-circuit protection.
There is no verified report linking an Itel Power Tank to the explosion depicted in the AI-generated image.
