Fact Check: Is Jelly Roll getting a $3.5M statue outside Nashville’s Nissan Stadium?
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: A viral social media post claims that Nashville officials have approved a $3.5 million bronze statue of singer Jelly Roll to be placed outside Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
The "breaking news" story, which was accompanied by a "rendered image" of the statue, prompted both praise and skepticism from fans, as per WhiskeyRiff. So, let's check if there's any truth to the claim.
Claim: Jelly Roll is getting a $3.5 million statue outside Nashville's Nissan Stadium
The Facebook post in question read, “BREAKING NEWS: Nashville Leaders Approve $3.5 Million Statue Honoring Jelly Roll Outside Nissan Stadium to Celebrate His Remarkable Journey from Struggle to Stardom.”
It was accompanied by a “rendered image” of a statue showing only Jelly Roll’s upper torso as well as a photo of him from the 2024 CMA Awards. The post sparked thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with many netizens congratulating the Nashville-born singer on the supposed honor.
Fact Check: No, Nashville has not approved a $3.5 million Jelly Roll statue
There is no official record or credible reporting confirming that Nashville’s city leaders have approved a statue of Jelly Roll, let alone one with a $3.5 million price tag.
A basic search on Google, Bing, and major local outlets like The Tennessean, NewsChannel 5 Nashville, and WTVF turns up no announcement, public statement, or city council decision related to such a project. Moreover, no relevant documentation is available on the official websites of the Tennessee Titans or Nashville’s municipal government.
The image of the statue circulating alongside the rumor is clearly AI-generated, as noted by multiple observers online and flagged by AI detection tools. The image includes telltale signs of digital creation, unnatural proportions, a partial torso floating on an undefined base, and unrealistic lighting.
Additionally, the proposed $3.5 million price tag raised red flags. While bronze statues can range in cost, even elaborate public monuments rarely exceed $100,000. A $3.5 million figure would be extraordinary and likely subject to major public scrutiny and news coverage.
AI-driven misinformation on the rise
This hoax follows a growing trend of so-called “AI slop,” in which artificial intelligence is used to fabricate uplifting or dramatic stories, paired with synthetic visuals and narration.
These viral posts often originate from low-credibility websites or monetized social media accounts seeking clicks, engagement, and ad revenue.
Despite disclaimers embedded in some posts, many users engage with these stories as if they were real.
