AI Image
CEO who posted 'Lake America' sweatshirt photos has left the company
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- Jane Smith, former CEO of Family First Credit Union in Michigan, has left the company effective immediately following controversy over an allegedly AI-edited family photo featuring "Lake America" sweatshirts.
- The photo, posted on Facebook and later deleted, referenced the recent U.S. renaming of Lake Ontario to "Lake America," which sparked backlash from Canadians and political figures.
- Family First issued an apology for the incident but did not confirm if the backlash was the reason for Smith's departure; Jason Acosta has been named interim CEO.
- Smith stated the photo included an AI marker and was meant to poke fun at the lake renaming without making a political statement, though the company condemned the post's content.
- The situation highlights tensions surrounding the controversial renaming order by U.S. President Donald Trump, which drew widespread criticism including from Canadian leaders and popular culture.
