While most people support speaking out against antisemitism, using a problematic tool to convey that message can lead to problems. This is exactly what is happening following the release of a video featuring AI-generated deepfakes of Jewish celebrities condemning Kanye West’s most recent antisemitic rhetoric.Scarlett Johansson, one of many celebs deepfaked in the viral video, has issued a statement denouncing the use of AI, no matter what the intentions were behind it.
Johansson released a statement regarding “the misuse of AI” (viaVariety) after the video, which features AI-generated versions of numerous celebrities, including Johansson, went viral. In the video, Johansson can be seen along with other Jewish celebrities, including Steven Spielberg and David Schwimmer, wearing white t-shirts with the Star of David depicted inside a hand giving the middle finger gesture, under Kanye’s name.
The video was released after West posted his latest antisemitic rant on X, and after he paid fora bizarre Super Bowl adin which he promoted a website selling t-shirts emblazoned with swastikas. The AI video ends with the messages"Enough is Enough"and"Join the Fight Against Antisemitism."
For her part, Johannsson wants to make it known that, no matter how well-intended, the video is still another example of how AI can be misused.
“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 its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
The video has been making the rounds online, and while it does look fairly realistic, it’s easy to notice that something about it is off. And even though most of the celebrities featured would no doubt speak out against antisemitism, this method would most likely not be the one that they would choose. On top of this, the video features problematic figures such as disgraced director Woody Allen. It’s likely that some of the famous faces here wouldn’t have appeared in a video if given the option.
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Johansson referenced her previous issues with AI in her statement, making her an authority on speaking about the dangers of its misuse, particularly when someone’s likeness is used without their permission:
“I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI, but the truth is that the threat of AI affects each and every 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 U.S. government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”
Having seen the video, I can certainly understand its message and believe that we should all fight back against antisemitism. That being said, using anyone’s likeness without their permission, no matter the reason, is a personal violation that also should be properly addressed. It’s something that many are passionate about, with Johannsson being a prominent voice in getting the message out. The actress ended her statement by writing,“I urge the U.S. 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.”
