Scarlett Johansson Warns of ‘AI Misuse’ After Fake Kanye West Video

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has spoken out against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) after a deepfake video falsely depicted her and other Jewish celebrities sending a protest message to rapper Kanye West. The actress is urging the US government to prioritize AI regulation to prevent such incidents.

AI-Generated Video Circulates Online

The deepfake video, which surfaced online, falsely portrayed Johansson, David Schwimmer, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, Adam Sandler, Sacha Baron Cohen, Natalie Portman, and Lenny Kravitz. They were shown wearing white T-shirts featuring a Star of David and a raised middle finger above the word "Kanye."

This came in response to Kanye West’s recent departure from the X platform following a series of antisemitic posts and the sale of swastika-branded T-shirts on his website.

AI Video Sparks Debate on Ethics and Regulation

The deepfake video, featuring the slogan "Enough is enough. Join the fight against antisemitism," was created by Guy Bar and Ori Bejerano, digital marketers from Gitam BBDO, an Israeli creative agency.

Posting the video on Instagram, Bejerano wrote:

"It's time to stop being silent and respond to antisemites like Kanye West in the strongest way possible."

Meanwhile, journalist Nicole Lampert, writing in The Jewish Chronicle, noted that while the video’s intent was powerful, it also highlighted the lack of real celebrity responses to West’s antisemitic rhetoric.

Kanye West’s Ongoing Controversies

West, who legally changed his name to Ye, has made repeated antisemitic remarks, referring to himself as a “Nazi” and praising Hitler on X. His website was briefly selling swastika-branded T-shirts, which were later removed after Shopify took down the site for violating its policies.

Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy condemned West’s Super Bowl advertisement, which initially appeared to be a legitimate apparel promotion but later redirected users to offensive content.

Additionally, rapper Ty Dolla $ign, who collaborated with West on his 2024 albums Vultures 1 and Vultures 2, distanced himself from West but did not directly criticize him. In a statement, he said:

The Growing Concern Over AI and Fake Content

The misuse of AI for creating deceptive content has become a significant issue. According to the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority, fake celebrity-based advertisements are the most common type of online scam.

Johansson’s warning adds urgency to the growing debate on AI ethics, digital manipulation, and the necessity of strict government regulations to prevent AI-powered misinformation and defamation.

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