Los Angeles, Calif. — Actress Scarlett Johansson has called for lawmakers to address the misuse of artificial intelligence after an unauthorized deepfake video featuring her image went viral. The video, which spread across social media platforms, showcased AI-generated likenesses of Johansson and other notable Jewish celebrities in a manner that responded to recent antisemitic comments made by rapper Kanye West.
In the controversial video, Johansson is depicted wearing a white T-shirt adorned with a Star of David and the name “Kanye” inscribed below, seemingly linking her to West’s prior antisemitic remarks. The video also featured digital avatars of celebrities such as Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Black, Mila Kunis, and Lenny Kravitz, ending with a manipulated image of Adam Sandler making a derogatory gesture as the Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila” played in the background. A closing message urged viewers to join the fight against antisemitism.
Johansson, in a statement released through her publicist, expressed her dismay at her unauthorized representation in the video, emphasizing the broader risks AI technology poses when wielded irresponsibly. “It has come to my attention through family and friends that a video featuring a manipulated version of myself has been gaining attention online,” Johansson said. “As a Jewish woman, I have no tolerance for antisemitism or any form of hate speech. More importantly, the capacity for hate speech enabled by AI technologies presents a grave threat that overshadows the harmful intent of any single individual.”
Beyond personal affronts, Johansson stressed the pernicious reach of AI, suggesting its potential for harm extends beyond any individual’s experience, touching every part of society. She noted that while she has personally been targeted by AI misuse on a public scale, the underlying issue impacts universally.
Addressing a perceived inaction by U.S. governance, Johansson criticized the lack of legislative measures concerning AI technologies, compared to actions taken by other progressive countries. She underscored the urgency for legislative safeguards, “There is a looming giant wave regarding AI that some progressive nations have addressed responsibly. It is alarming how paralyzed the U.S. seems in enacting laws to protect its citizens against the palpable threats posed by AI.”
Johansson’s call to action includes urging U.S. legislators to prioritize the creation and passing of laws regulating AI applications, framing it as a bipartisan issue crucial for the near future of humanity.
This plea for action follows recent controversies surrounding Kanye West, who faced backlash over a Super Bowl advertisement directing viewers to his website that featured T-shirts emblazoned with swastikas linked to Nazi symbols. West’s talent agency severed ties with him following his advertisement and subsequent offensive posts on social media platform X, raising further discussions about hate speech’s proliferation and AI’s role in potentially magnifying misinformation.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Johansson’s situation highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers posed by AI technologies in spreading misinformation and hate speech, demonstrating the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to curb potential abuses.
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