AI-Generated Protest Video Against Kanye West Sparks Backlash
A deepfake video featuring top Hollywood celebrities protesting Kanye West’s controversial actions has taken the internet by storm. The AI-generated footage, which includes actors and filmmakers like David Schwimmer, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Scarlett Johansson, and Sacha Baron Cohen, shows them wearing shirts denouncing the rapper.
However, the individuals portrayed never authorized the use of their likenesses, sparking a broader conversation about the dangers of AI manipulation.
AI-Generated Video Causes Uproar
The video appears to be a direct response to Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks and recent controversies, including selling a T-shirt featuring a swastika after a surprise Super Bowl ad. The footage concludes with bold messages urging people to take a stand against antisemitism. While many viewers initially believed the protest was real, it was later revealed that the entire clip was AI-generated without consent.
Instagram | scarlettjohanssonworld | Johansson opposes hate speech but raises concerns about AI replicating her image without consent.
Scarlett Johansson, one of the celebrities depicted, was quick to address the issue. She emphasized that while she stands firmly against hate speech, the use of AI to replicate her image without permission is a serious concern.
“This AI-generated video was brought to my attention by friends and family. I want to make it clear that I strongly oppose antisemitism, but the misuse of artificial intelligence is an even greater threat. If we don’t take action against unauthorized AI-generated content now, we risk blurring the lines between reality and fabrication,” Johansson stated.
Who Created the AI Protest Video?
The video was reportedly developed by Guy Bar, an Israeli entrepreneur behind an AI technology hub called Elevaitor. Bar revealed in an interview that the project took just 24 hours to complete.
“We knew this would gain attention, but the scale of its impact was unexpected,” Bar said. “People worldwide are exhausted by racism and antisemitism, and we aimed to highlight the severity of Kanye West’s remarks. The public figures in the video were chosen because they are not only Jewish but also part of West’s cultural sphere. This was our way of making a statement—using familiar faces to push back against hate.”
Celebrities’ Reactions to Kanye West’s Controversies
Some celebrities featured in the video have previously voiced strong opposition to Kanye West’s behavior.
Isla Fisher openly criticized the rapper’s actions, urging her followers on social media to unfollow him. She wrote, “This is the only thing for sale on his website after a Super Bowl commercial? Unbelievable. No place for this kind of hate.”
David Schwimmer directly called on Elon Musk to deactivate West’s X (formerly Twitter) account. “We can’t stop hateful rhetoric from spreading, but we can stop giving it a platform. Kanye West has 32.7 million followers—twice the global Jewish population. His words lead to real-world harm.”
Kanye West’s Super Bowl Ad and the Fallout
During the Super Bowl, West bought local ad time for a bizarre commercial in which he sat in a dentist’s chair showcasing diamond-encrusted teeth. He joked about spending all his money on his new teeth rather than production costs, directing viewers to his website. However, visitors found only one item for sale—a $20 T-shirt featuring a swastika.
Following this, West posted a series of inflammatory tweets, including statements praising Hitler and identifying himself as a Nazi. His account was eventually deactivated, with his final message reading: “Logging out of X. Appreciate Elon for letting me express myself. It’s been cathartic.”
Major Platforms Take Action
Instagram | teamkanyedaily | West’s Shopify site was taken down for breaching platform policies.
West’s website was soon removed from Shopify for violating platform policies. A Shopify spokesperson confirmed that the decision was based on policy breaches rather than political reasons. “Our platform does not tolerate content that violates our guidelines. This merchant was removed for failing to engage in legitimate commerce.”
The Anti-Defamation League also condemned West’s actions, calling his decision to sell the T-shirt particularly disturbing. “This isn’t just another offensive remark—he deliberately chose to make a profit off of one of the most hateful symbols in history. His decision to label the shirt ‘HH-01’—a clear reference to ‘Heil Hitler’—shows intent beyond mere ignorance.”
AI Misuse and Ethical Concerns
While the controversy surrounding Kanye West continues to unfold, the AI-generated protest video raises serious ethical questions. The use of deepfake technology to fabricate messages—even with positive intentions—sparks concerns about misinformation and consent.
With AI advancing rapidly, unauthorized digital replication could become a larger issue in entertainment, politics, and beyond. The incident serves as a reminder that while AI can be a powerful tool, it must be used responsibly to prevent deception and safeguard individual rights.