Google has removed its Gemma artificial intelligence model from its AI Studio following accusations from U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn that the model fabricated false allegations of sexual misconduct against her. In a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, said the AI falsely claimed she was accused of rape by a state trooper during a 1987 campaign — an event she said never occurred. The senator described the AI’s claims as entirely false, noting that the supposed supporting links led to error pages and unrelated articles.
Blackburn’s complaint comes amid ongoing criticism of AI-generated misinformation. She cited a lawsuit by conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who claimed Google’s AI models, including Gemma, spread defamatory content labeling him a “child rapist” and “serial sexual abuser.” During a recent Senate hearing, Google’s Vice President for Government Affairs, Markham Erickson, acknowledged the problem of AI “hallucinations” and assured lawmakers that the company is working to address the issue.
In her letter, Blackburn dismissed Google’s explanation, describing Gemma’s output as “an act of defamation” rather than a mere technical glitch. She also accused Google of political bias, alleging that the company’s AI systems exhibit a “consistent pattern of bias against conservative figures.” Her remarks align with broader complaints from former President Donald Trump’s allies, who argue that tech companies’ AI tools favor liberal viewpoints — a concern that prompted Trump to sign an executive order earlier this year banning “woke AI.”
Responding on social media, Google said it had “seen reports of non-developers trying to use Gemma in AI Studio and ask it factual questions,” stressing that the model was never intended for consumer use. The company explained that Gemma was designed as an open, lightweight model for developers to integrate into applications, not as a general information tool. Consequently, Google announced it has removed Gemma from its AI Studio environment but will continue offering it through its API for developers.