Fox News Channel host John Roberts took issue with X’s AI bot’s report claiming that he’d died — dismissing the disclosure on social media.
“Oh my…either Grok’s algorithm needs a little tweak….or I’m in trouble,” the afternoon anchor posted on X alongside an AI-generated article claiming he “passed away” Feb. 3
That report included video of Roberts playing guitar, which may have led to Grok’s confusion. Mediaite.com noted a Schenectady guitarist with the same name died last week.
Roberts showed up alive and well when he co-hosted “America Reports” Monday on the MAGA cable channel. The 68-year-old reporter joined Fox News in 2011, according to that company’s website. He previously worked for CNN.
Roberts frequently posts video of himself playing electric guitar solos. One of his musical clips shows the Canada native jamming with Rush, which was one of that country’s most successful rock bands.
“John Roberts, the musician mentioned, recently passed away on February 3, 2025, which might add a layer of poignancy to this post showcasing his guitar playing,” Grok incorrectly labeled one of Roberts’ music videos.
Grok launched in November 2023. The artificial intelligence chatbot was made available to X’s premium subscribers in March 2024 and has since seen several upgrades. It’s xAI parent company made the service free to all X users in December.
The John Roberts who did pass away on Jan. 3 was a folk singer from England who relocated to upstate New York and played folk music. That musician’s partner, Lisa Preston, posted a note on his Facebook page last week telling fans he’d succumbed to complications from congestive heart failure and esophageal cancer.