Scarlett Johansson calls for deepfake ban after fake Anti-Ye vid
Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson calls on the US government to impose an AI deepfake ban after a fake video featuring the actress went viral.
It features Johansson wearing a white t-shirt that shows the name “Kanye” and a middle finger with the Star of David in the center.
READ: AI deepfakes and their deeper impacts
The AI-generated clip features other Jewish actors wearing the same outfit:
- Jerry Seinfeld
- Mila Kunis
- Jack Black
- Jake Gyllenhaal
- Drake
- Adam Sandler
It ends with Sandler flipping the bird at the camera as the Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila” plays.
Scarlett Johansson: We need an AI deepfake ban
Scarlett Johansson calls for deepfake ban after AI video goes viral https://t.co/GwzdRf4RSZ
— The Verge (@verge) February 12, 2025
Johansson told the entertainment news website PEOPLE:
“It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends that an AI-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemitic view, has been circulating online and gaining traction.”
The “antisemitic view” likely refers to Kanye West’s recent barrage of offensive posts on X.
Ye also began selling shirts with a swastika on his website, which is now unavailable.
“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.”
“I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI,” Johansson added.
“But the truth is that the threat of AI affects each and every one of us.”
“There is a 1,000-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 US government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”
Scarlett Johannson concluded:
“I urge the US 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.”
