Controversial AI Videos Spark Outrage
AI-generated videos showing deceased celebrities reunited with their surviving loved ones have caused a stir on social media. Created with the advanced AI model Grok-2, the videos feature lifelike portrayals of stars like Freddie Mercury and Brain May, and Princes William and Harry, with their late mother, Princess Diana. These videos, some depicting tragic real-life losses, have triggered a furious response online.
4. Princess Diana & Prince Harry pic.twitter.com/SrAKE454gA
— Min Choi (@minchoi) December 15, 2024
Distasteful Depictions of Grief
The most controversial videos show Steve Irwin, who died in 2006, reunited with his daughter Bindi, who was only a child at the time of his death. Critics described these AI depictions as “ghoulish” and “disrespectful,” arguing that using AI to recreate emotional, real-life tragedies is exploitative and in poor taste.
9. Steve Irwin & Bindi Irwin pic.twitter.com/v7qPINfYFb
— Min Choi (@minchoi) December 15, 2024
Ethical Concerns Over AI and Celebrity Likeness
Min Choi, an AI educator, shared the videos to demonstrate Grok-2’s capabilities, but the response was overwhelmingly negative. This incident adds to a growing debate over the ethical use of AI in generating celebrity likenesses. Earlier this year, AI-generated images of Taylor Swift endorsing Donald Trump also sparked controversy, highlighting concerns about AI’s potential to spread misinformation and exploit personal tragedies for entertainment.
