An AI-generated video featuring Scarlett Johansson, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, and other Hollywood stars protesting Kanye West’s antisemitic comments has gone viral, sparking controversy over the unauthorized use of AI to manipulate celebrity likenesses.
The fake video shows celebrities wearing T-shirts displaying a middle finger with a Star of David inside it and “Kanye” written below, in response to West’s latest antisemitic remarks and a swastika shirt he was selling on his Yeezy website before Shopify took it down.
Scarlett Johansson Condemns AI Manipulation
Reacting to the deepfake video, Scarlett Johansson issued a strong statement condemning the “misuse of AI” regardless of its intentions.
“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.”
She further warned about the dangers of AI-generated disinformation, emphasizing the lack of US regulations on AI technology.
“There is a 1,000-foot wave coming regarding AI. Several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded in a responsible manner. It is terrifying that the US government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects its citizens.”
AI Creator Defends Video’s Purpose
The controversial video, set to the Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila,” also featured AI-generated imagery of Adam Levine, Mila Kunis, Lenny Kravitz, Mark Zuckerberg, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Stiller, Natalie Portman, and David Schwimmer.
The creator, Ori Bejerano, describes himself as a “generative AI expert” and had included a disclaimer in the video:
“This content was digitally created or altered with AI to seem real.”
His post urged social networks to combat antisemitism and justified the video’s creation as a “strong response to Kanye West’s hateful rhetoric.”
Calls for AI Regulation Intensify
Johansson concluded her statement by urging elected officials to prioritize AI regulation before misinformation spirals out of control.
“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.”
The AI ethics debate continues to grow as Hollywood and policymakers struggle to balance free speech, technological advancements, and protection against deepfake misuse.
