Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman is denying that he intentionally viewed pornography while on a recent flight after viral photos appeared to show him scrolling through explicit images on his tablet. The California representative, age 71, became the center of a social media controversy when an image posted to X (formerly Twitter) sparked debate about the behavior of public officials and the role of platform algorithms in promoting adult content.
Sherman’s Response and Algorithm Controversy
Sherman defended himself, saying he was merely scrolling through X’s “For You” recommendations and that several images of women in lingerie appeared as a result of Elon Musk’s revamped algorithm. In statements to Fox News and other outlets, Sherman argued, “This was nothing more than scrolling through Twitter…unfortunately, Elon Musk has ruined the Twitter algorithm to give people content that they don’t ask for or subscribe to.” He acknowledged the content was “not suitable to view on a flight” but maintained it was not intentional or inappropriate by the platform’s standards.
Viral Reaction and Political Fallout
The incident quickly drew reactions from political figures including Donald Trump Jr. and Representative Nancy Mace—each weighing in as the photos ricocheted across social media. Sherman responded by suggesting critics were using the story to distract from major issues, such as calls to release the Epstein files. The event has triggered new debate on tech algorithms, digital privacy, and the scrutiny facing elected officials, especially in highly public settings.
Broader Debate: Tech, Privacy, and Public Life
Sherman’s viral moment has reignited longstanding questions about whether public officials should be held to stricter standards while traveling—and how social media algorithms are shaping the reputations of people in the public eye. As coverage and commentary continue, Sherman stands by his claim that the uproar is driven by algorithmic confusion and online culture—not deliberate wrongdoing.