ESPN’s Holly Rowe Reacts to Arch Manning’s Apology for Laughing at Disturbing Video

Alyssa Norwin
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ESPN reporter Holly Rowe looks on before the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a win against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Sarah Stier/Alex Slitz/Getty Images

What To Know

  • College football quarterback Arch Manning apologized to ESPN reporter Holly Rowe for laughing at an AI-generated video of her punching his coach, Steve Sarkisian.
  • Rowe publicly responded to Manning’s apology and revealed they’ve also spoken privately.
  • The AI video was made after a clip of Sarkisian blowing off an interview with Rowe following Texas’ big win against Ohio State went viral.

Holly Rowe, a reporter for ESPN who made headlines when her interview with Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian went viral on September 12, posted a public response to Arch Manning after the college football quarterback apologized for laughing at an AI-generated video of her.

“Thank you Arch,” Rowe wrote on her Instagram Story. “I appreciate our conversation about this which will remain private. Apology accepted. We move forward with respect and kindness for one another.”

Manning’s apology came after his comments made during a September 14 press conference. He was asked if he saw any fan-edited videos online about the Longhorns’ comeback win against the No. 1 Ohio State University two days prior (Manning, a senior, helped lead the team to victory).

“I’ve seen a few AI edits of stuff, but that’s about it,” Manning admitted. “I saw an AI edit of [Coach] Sark’s interview. Have y’all seen that one? That’s a good one. Of him slapping Holly Rowe? It’s hilarious.”

After receiving backlash for the comments, he seemingly reached out to Rowe privately, while also posting a public apology on his Instagram Story.

“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video,” Manning, whose uncles are Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, wrote. “There is nothing funny about it. It’s easy to say I didn’t mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that.”

He continued, “I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. I habe a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful moving forward.”

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After the Longhorns’ win, Rowe interviewed Sarkisian on the field, and the clip was quickly deemed “so awkward” as it went viral online. Sarkisian was itching to celebrate his team’s huge win and didn’t even let Rowe finish a question before chanting, “Let’s go, Texas, fight! Let’s go, Texas, fight! Hook ’em!” and walking away. Rowe appeared visibly frustrated and irritated in the clip.