Scarlett Johansson has publicly expressed her disapproval of the misuse of artificial intelligence after a deepfake video featuring her likeness circulated online. The video falsely depicted Johansson and several other Jewish celebrities denouncing Kanye West’s controversial remarks, igniting a wave of concern about the ethical implications of AI technology.
Johansson Calls for Immediate AI Regulations
In a statement to The New York Post, Johansson explained how she was made aware of the viral deepfake video by her friends and family. “It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends that an A.I.-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemitic view, has been circulating online and gaining traction,” Johansson shared.
The manipulated video, allegedly created by Israeli AI expert Ori Bejerano, showed over 20 well-known Jewish celebrities, including Johansson, condemning West’s recent antisemitic comments. The video featured the celebrities wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with a middle finger symbol, the Star of David, and the word “Kanye.”
While Johansson has been outspoken in her opposition to hate speech, she also voiced serious concern over the dangers of AI-generated misinformation. “I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind,” Johansson affirmed. “But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by A.I. is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it.”
She further stressed the urgency for the U.S. government to address the issue, criticizing its lack of action on regulating AI technology. “It is terrifying that the U.S. government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of A.I.,” Johansson said. “I urge the U.S. government to make the passing of legislation limiting A.I. use a top priority; it is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”
Johansson’s Continued Struggle with AI Exploitation
This isn’t the first time Johansson has spoken out against the unethical use of AI. Last year, she publicly criticized OpenAI’s Sam Altman for releasing a ChatGPT voice model that closely resembled her own voice, despite her refusal to license it. The controversy led OpenAI to retract the voice model.
Now, with her likeness used in an AI-generated video without her consent, Johansson is once again forced to confront the broader issue of deepfake technology and its misuse. “I have unfortunately been a very public victim of A.I., but the truth is that the threat of A.I. affects each and every one of us,” Johansson warned.
The AI Video and Kanye West’s Controversial Remarks
The deepfake video was released amid Kanye West’s ongoing backlash for his antisemitic statements and actions. West sparked outrage after posting inflammatory remarks on social media, including praising Adolf Hitler and attempting to sell swastika-adorned merchandise on his Yeezy website.
Set to the Jewish folk song Hava Nagila, the AI-generated video featured celebrities such as Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Mark Zuckerberg, and Adam Sandler, all appearing to denounce West. The video ends with Sandler’s manipulated image giving the middle finger, followed by the message “Enough Is Enough.” Bejerano, the creator of the video, shared it on Instagram with the caption, “It’s time to stop being silent and respond to anti-Semites like Kanye West in the strongest way possible.”
While some have praised the video’s message, Johansson’s response highlights the broader ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content, regardless of its intent or message.
David Schwimmer Also Speaks Out
Beyond AI manipulation, several celebrities have voiced their outrage over West’s remarks. David Schwimmer, another celebrity featured in the deepfake video, condemned West’s behavior in a passionate Instagram post, criticizing the lack of public outrage over his actions.
West’s online tirades included a spree of antisemitic statements on social media, leading to his account being deactivated. His controversial Super Bowl commercial, which advertised a swastika T-shirt, further fueled public backlash.
The Growing Threat of AI Misinformation
Though the AI-generated video was meant as a response to West’s actions, Johansson’s outrage underscores the greater issue of AI manipulation. The rise of deepfake technology poses a severe threat to public trust, making it increasingly difficult to differentiate between real and fabricated content.
Johansson’s call for AI regulations reflects growing public concern over the dangers of AI-driven misinformation. With incidents like this gaining more attention, there is increasing pressure for lawmakers to establish clear regulations to prevent AI from being exploited for manipulation.
As AI technology continues to evolve, Johansson’s stance serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences if left unregulated: AI could be weaponized in ways that undermine truth, privacy, and democracy.
