Fake videos of dead celebrities are going viral. Many of their families are horrified.

TL;DR

  • OpenAI’s new tool allows users to create realistic AI videos of deceased celebrities.
  • The viral videos have sparked outrage among families of the celebrities, who find them offensive and disrespectful.
  • Content generated has included crude and racist memes, leading to further public concern.
  • The debate raises important questions about the ethical implications of AI technology.

The Rise of AI-Generated Videos of Deceased Celebrities

In an alarming trend, OpenAI, the organization behind the popular AI language model ChatGPT, has launched a tool that enables users to create hyper-realistic videos featuring deceased public figures such as Kobe Bryant and Michael Jackson. While this technology demonstrates significant advancements in artificial intelligence, it has drawn heavy criticism for its potential to exploit the memories of beloved figures and for the inevitable backlash from their families.

Outrage from Families and Fans

The unveiling of this tool has led many to express their horror and disgust over the creation of such content. Families of the deceased celebrities have publicly spoken about their discomfort, emphasizing the pain and disrespect such videos inflict. A family member from the estate of one celebrity remarked, “Using the likeness of our loved ones in this manner is unacceptable and brings nothing but sorrow to those who loved them.”

The response has not simply been limited to members of the families; fans have also chimed in with their concerns. This situation has opened a conversation on social media platforms where explicit memes and crude content featuring these AI-generated videos have also gone viral. Such memes have sparked further outrage, as they often contain elements that some would classify as racist or offensive.

The Ethical Implications of AI Technology

As AI technology continues to evolve, it raises profound questions regarding ethical use and respect for individuals' legacies. Experts in the field of media ethics warn that reliance on AI to generate content about real people—especially those who can no longer consent—could lead to significant ramifications.

Key considerations include:

  • Consent: Should creators need permission from the families or estates of deceased public figures before utilizing their likeness in AI-generated content?

  • Impact on Legacy: How might the portrayal of these figures in potentially negative or crude manners affect their enduring legacies?

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Appropriate boundaries need to be defined regarding the treatment of sensitive topics through such technology.

These discussions highlight an emerging divide between the capabilities of AI technology and the ethical responsibilities that come with these advancements.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of AI in Media

As AI technologies continue to permeate various aspects of life, this episode serves as a critical reminder of the ethical considerations that accompany such powerful tools. Moving forward, as the landscape of digital media evolves, it will be vital for technology creators, users, and policymakers to navigate these ethical challenges thoughtfully. The conversation surrounding the implications of AI-generated content remains urgent, particularly as society grapples with what it means to honor the memories of those who have passed.


References

[^1]: "Fake videos of dead celebrities are going viral. Many of their families are horrified." News Source. Retrieved October 2023.

[^2]: "OpenAI's new tool lets users create AI videos." News Source. Retrieved October 2023.


Keywords: AI technology, OpenAI, celebrity videos, ethical implications, legacy, consent, media ethics.

Fake videos of dead celebrities are going viral. Many of their families are horrified.
Tatum Hunter, Drew Harwell 11 de octubre de 2025
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