Cat in the Hat TikTok trend prompts investigation after videos reference Smiths Station High School
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- Lee County Sheriff's Office investigating AI-generated 'Cat in the Hat' TikTok videos referencing Smiths Station High School.
- No direct threat identified, but officials take situation seriously and ask public to report information about the videos.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating videos connected to a viral TikTok trend after AI-generated content referencing Smiths Station High School and its students began circulating online.
CNAW2News was sent video showing content associated with the so-called “Cat in the Hat” trend, which has recently spread to Lee County.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the trend features AI-generated images and videos of the Cat in the Hat character from the 2003 live-action film appearing in familiar locations, including schools and neighborhoods.
The trend has been compared to the clown-related social media trend that circulated in 2016 and has appeared in communities around the world.
The sheriff’s office said some of the videos circulating in the area feature Smiths Station High School.
“While we do understand that some people see this trend as a joke and are joining in, we do not,” the sheriff’s office said.
Officials said they take any perceived threat seriously, particularly anything that could disrupt school operations or create a safety concern for students and staff.
At this time, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said it does not believe there is a direct or indirect threat to Smiths Station High School. However, investigators will continue monitoring the situation and looking into the videos.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the videos or those responsible for creating or sharing them to contact investigators.
Tips can be provided to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or through the agency’s school safety tip form.
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