Social media users have been left outraged after encountering a string of AI-generated posts of Glen Hansard on X.
The posts have been appearing on X, typically showing an AI-generated video of Glen Hansard playing guitar and singing alongside a mysterious duffel bag.
All of the posts are also accompanied by the same caption: "Hmm … there’s definitely something interesting in there."
Beyond being bizarre by nature, the posts are also being criticised for how widespread they are. The Journal found at least 15 separate accounts all making the exact same post.
Commenting on the bizarre string of posts, one person said: "What are all these posts about what’s in the bag? My timeline is full of it."
"I’m getting really annoyed about this what’s inside the bag ad with Glen Hansard! I haven’t a clue what its about and its swamping my timeline!" another individual commented.
Anyone else's feed full of weird Glen Hansard "what's in the bag" links?
Wtf? pic.twitter.com/84FfOm9xp8
— Pearse Mac (@TirChonaillAbu) October 12, 2026
The posts all seemingly direct you to a fake Irish Independent article which looks freakishly genuine. It includes the outlet’s branding, header, and style.
This fake article is titled: "Sorry he did what?: The clause in Glen Hansard’s will that silenced the room."
It then made a number of false accusations around Hansard’s death and will, including that the singer passed away on Tuesday, September 8.
It then claims to have uncovered that the "Falling Slowly" singer had invested in a trading platform that turned €250 into €480,000.
There is even a fake letter enclosed within the article that poses as Hansard, urging his wife Maire to invest in the same platform.
wtf are these ads on here pic.twitter.com/IAfJ5Jl6Wh
— Pangur Bán 🧃 (@PangurBn10) October 9, 2026
While the use of AI to generate a video of the late Glen Hansard may be new, these kinds of investment scams are not.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned about them in the past, stressing that after falling for them, it is nearly impossible to get your money back.
In a warning, it said: ‘Investment scams promise high returns with little risk, using urgency, fake endorsements and secrecy to lure victims and make their offers seem legitimate.
‘They often appear through online ads, social media or fake celebrity promotions. Always check if a firm is regulated on the Central Bank of Ireland register.’
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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