In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan discussed the shooting of Alex Pretti with conservative commentator Andrew Wilson. The conversation turned to a side-by-side comparison of photographs of Pretti that appeared in media coverage, including one broadcast on MS NOW. Rogan pointed out what he described as digital alterations to Pretti’s image that made him appear more attractive, contrasting it with past media treatment of himself.
Rogan noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, CNN had altered images of him to make him look green, unhealthy, and unattractive. In this case, he said, the image of Pretti had been edited in the opposite direction. The alterations included shortening his face, adding a tan, widening his face slightly, shrinking his nose, enhancing his jawline for a more defined look, plumping up his shoulders, adjusting skin tone, and improving his teeth to resemble veneers. Rogan and Wilson described the result as making Pretti look “handsomer” or “hotter,” suggesting it could evoke greater public sympathy for him after the shooting.
Joe Rogan: “CNN turned me green… and MSNBC made him handsome… They made him handsome so people would be more sympathetic to him getting shot.”pic.twitter.com/2FLD63dMYt
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) January 29, 2026
Rogan remarked on the apparent intent behind such changes, questioning whether less attractive individuals might be viewed as less sympathetic or marketable in media narratives. He called the edits “wild” and part of a broader pattern of orchestrated media presentation in politically sensitive stories.
The discussion also touched on the circumstances of the protest where Pretti was involved. Rogan observed that Pretti had been armed with a firearm and multiple magazines at what was intended as a peaceful demonstration against federal immigration actions. He described this as unusual, questioning the need for such armament, while acknowledging Pretti’s Second Amendment rights. Wilson and Rogan noted the irony in some liberal support for gun rights in this context.
The shooting occurred amid escalating tensions over federal operations in Minnesota, which have included multiple agent-involved incidents and prompted deployments of the National Guard. Pretti’s death followed another fatal encounter involving immigration agents earlier in the month, fueling protests that have at times turned chaotic. Discussions like the one on Rogan’s podcast highlight ongoing debates about media bias, image manipulation in news coverage, and the role of digital alterations—whether through traditional editing or AI—in shaping public perception of high-profile events.
