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Another instance of unauthorised AI use of the likeness of celebrities has sparked a controversy in Hollywood. Scarlett Johansson has issued a strong statement after an AI-generated video featuring her likeness went viral. The video depicted AI versions of Johansson, Jack Black, Mila Kunis, Drake, Steven Spielberg and Adam Sandler, protesting against Kanye West’s (Ye’s) recent antisemitic remarks.

In the clip, the celebrities were portrayed wearing T-shirts displaying the Star of David inside a hand making a middle finger gesture with the word ‘Kanye’ written underneath. The video ended with AI-generated text stating, “Enough is Enough” and “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.”

In response, Johansson condemned the misuse of AI and highlighted its broader implications.

“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind. But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by AI is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it. We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter the messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality,” Johansson wrote in a statement per Variety.

Johansson, who has been vocal about AI-related concerns in the past, went on to highlight the potential dangers of this technology. “I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI. But the truth is that the threat of AI affects each one of us. There is a 1000-foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded to in a responsible manner. It is terrifying that the US government is paralysed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”

She urged lawmakers to take immediate action against such misuse: “I urge the US government to make the passing of legislation limiting AI use a top priority; it is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”

Johansson’s history with AI misuse

Johansson’s concerns over AI are not new. In November 2023, she took legal action against an AI application that used her likeness in an online advertisement without permission.

More recently, in May 2024, she publicly rebuked OpenAI for allegedly using her voice from the 2013 film Her as inspiration for its GPT-4o chatbot named Sky. Despite having declined OpenAI’s request to use her voice, Johansson later discovered that the chatbot’s voice bore a striking resemblance to hers, prompting legal action and public outcry.

Kanye’s continued fallout

Ye’s antisemitic tirade this week was a tipping point for many who had previously turned a blind eye to his attention-seeking antics. He lashed out against Jews in a series of hateful tweets and, in an ad, he directed Super Bowl viewers to his now removed website where the only item he was selling was a $20 T-shirt featuring a swastika.

The Anti-Defamation League issued a statement condemning this: “We know this game all too well. Let’s call Ye’s hate-filled public rant for what it really is: a sad attempt for attention that uses Jews as a scapegoat.”

The rapper’s antisemitic remarks continue to have serious repercussions. His talent manager has severed ties with him, and his X account has been deactivated. Additionally, his brand’s website, Yeezy.com, went offline.