Laurie Segall and Paris Hilton have launched 'Searching for Mr. Deepfakes,' a 13-part TikTok series investigating a site producing explicit images of women without their consent.
Innovative True-Crime Format
Segall, who gained prominence as a technology reporter at CNN, is challenging traditional documentary formats with this series. 'I love this idea of creating a new playbook for unscripted content,' she stated. The series targets a younger audience, particularly women, affected by deepfake technology.
Paris Hilton's Involvement
Paris Hilton, victimized by similar violations in her youth, plays a significant role in the series. Produced by Segall's Mostly Human, along with BFD and Hilton's 11:11 Media, Hilton shares her experiences and promotes the project through her digital platforms. 'It was one of the most painful and traumatizing experiences of my life,' Hilton shares in an interview with Segall during the series.
Engaging Modern Audiences
Segall's approach caters to modern consumption habits, releasing TikTok episodes lasting just two to four minutes. Additionally, her podcast Mostly Human will feature a four-part series beginning June 4, with episodes released weekly on Thursdays.
Embracing Creator Culture
Since leaving CNN after a decade, Segall has embraced the creator economy, founding her own production company and continuing to explore the rapid changes in technology. 'I saw around the corner,' Segall remarked. 'Content doesn’t have to sit in one place.'
Her effort comes as more news organizations collaborate with independent creators, such as NBC News' partnership with journalist Joanna Stern and Fox News Channel licensing the 'Ruthless' podcast.
Segall's focus on the deepfake issue is driven by the potential harm caused by rapid technological advancements. 'I can see a train wreck coming,' she warns, highlighting the importance of her investigation's reach.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/laurie-segall-paris-hilton-mr-deepfakes-investigation-1236759696/
