Scarlett Johansson condemns AI misuse after fake video opposing Kanye West's antisemitic rants goes viral
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Scarlett Johansson has strongly condemned the unauthorized use of AI to generate a fake video of her denouncing Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks, urging the US government to take immediate action against AI misuse.
West has sparked outrage for launching a series of anti-Semitic rants and selling swastika-emblazoned T-shirts through his Yeezy website, which has since been shut down by Shopify.
AI-generated video sparks outrage
An AI-generated video surfaced online featuring digital versions of high-profile Jewish celebrities, including Johansson, condemning Kanye West’s latest antisemitic actions.
Hollywood stars such as David Schwimmer and Isla Fisher have spoken out against West’s inflammatory rhetoric.
Despite agreeing with the message of zero tolerance for hate speech, Johansson expressed deep concerns about AI’s role in the creation of the controversial video.
Scarlet Johansson’s strong response to AI misuse
In a strongly worded statement, Scarlett Johansson condemned the unethical use of AI to replicate her likeness without consent.
She emphasized that AI-generated content, regardless of intent, poses a severe threat to public discourse and reality, according to Daily Mail.
“It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends that an AI-generated video featuring my likeness has been circulating online. I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind," stated Johansson.
"However, I also firmly believe that AI-driven hate speech is a greater threat than any one individual. We must call out AI misuse, regardless of its message, or risk losing a grip on reality,” she noted.
Johansson, who previously accused OpenAI of copying her voice without permission, has been vocal about AI’s dangers.
She urged the US government to follow other progressive nations in enacting regulations to control the rapidly advancing technology.
“There is a 1,000-foot wave coming regarding AI, and while many countries have responded responsibly, the US remains paralyzed in passing legislation to protect its citizens. The government must make AI regulation a top priority,” the actress explained.
AI Video’s content and impact
The AI-generated video featured deepfake versions of Scarlett Johansson, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jack Black, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
The video showed them wearing T-shirts with a hamsa symbol and a Star of David, printed above the word 'Kanye,' directly mocking West’s offensive merchandise.
A deepfake version of Adam Sandler ended the video by raising his middle finger to the camera and saying, “Enough is enough. Join the fight against anti-Semitism.”
Kanye West faces growing backlash
Kanye West, now known as Ye, used a Super Bowl commercial to promote his Yeezy brand, directing viewers to his website, which only sold a $20 T-shirt featuring a swastika.
The move led to widespread condemnation, with his talent agency, 33 & West, publicly severing ties with him.
Following his three-day online tirade, where he professed admiration for Adolf Hitler and made racist and homophobic remarks, West attempted to dismiss his actions as a "social experiment."
However, his comments only fueled further backlash.
