Viral AI-generated videos of dead celebrities are making the rounds online.
The clips, which feature deceased celebrities such as 2Pac, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley appearing to be interacting in real time, made their way to social media this week.
In one clip, 2Pac takes a selfie video with Kobe and Elvis, asking them to say “Habana,” which is likely a reference to the groundless conspiracy theory that the rapper is still alive and hiding in Cuba. Another video shows the All Eyez On Me artist racing the late NBA star.
2Pac is also seen chatting with Jackson, Bruce Lee, and the Notorious B.I.G. in separate clips circulating on social media.
“They need to regulate this quickly…making AI videos and using ppls likeness can turn left quick..and ppl shouldn’t be able to monetize it either,” wrote one user.
“Something about this feels strange to me I'd feel weird about random people making AI videos of me after my death portraying me a certain way But maybe that's just me 😅,” wrote another.
Despite some of the outrage over the ethics of AI-generated videos and their implications, Danity Kane's Aubrey O’Day said she saw the clips in a positive light.
“[W]ild. made my heart happy tho to see situations of resolution or solidarity, that will never occur, but it allowed me to imagine it,” O’Day wrote earlier this week.
The controversial videos arrived before OpenAI made a significant policy shift regarding its AI video tool, Sora 2.
According to Gizmodo, OpenAI recently reversed its initial copyright policy for Sora. Previously, users were seemingly able to use copyrighted content unless user opted out.
Following backlash and a statement from the Motion Picture Association condemning the tool for its potential for copyright infringement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a move to an opt-in model. This change will allow copyright holders to decide how their characters and content can be used.
As noted by 404 Media, social media platforms like Reddit and X have seen backlash from users frustrated that they can no longer create short videos featuring copyrighted characters. One user in the OpenAI subreddit claimed the option was “the only reason this app was so fun.” Meanwhile, another user wrote, ““Moral policing and leftist ideology are destroying America’s AI industry.”
Recently, Robin Williams’ daughter, Zelda, asked fans to “stop sending me AI videos” of her late father.
“Stop believing I wanna see it or that I’ll understand, I don’t and I won’t,” said the 36-year-old. “If you’re just trying to troll me, I’ve seen way worse, I’ll restrict and move on. But please, if you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop. It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want.”
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., agreed with Zelda’s message, writing, "I concur concerning my father. Please stop."
