Scarlett Johansson Condemns Deepfake Video and Raises AI Misuse Concerns
Scarlett Johansson has issued a strong warning about the dangers of AI after a deepfake video featuring her likeness surfaced online. The fabricated Scarlett Johansson deepfake video also depicted other Jewish celebrities, including David Schwimmer and Jerry Seinfeld, appearing to confront rapper Kanye West over his recent antisemitic behavior.
What happened?
The Scarlett Johansson deepfake was released following West’s departure from the X platform, formerly Twitter, after posting antisemitic content. He also sparked outrage by selling T-shirts featuring swastikas on his website.
Johansson, a vocal advocate against hate speech, expressed concern that AI manipulation poses a greater long-term threat to society. “Hate Speech Multiplied by AI”. Speaking to People magazine, Johansson addressed the growing misuse of AI in digital media.
“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,” Johansson said.
“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.”
Call for public vigilance against deepfakes
The actress called for public vigilance, adding, “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
The unauthorized Scarlett Johansson deepfake video also included digitally altered images of Steven Spielberg, Adam Sandler, Sacha Baron Cohen, Natalie Portman, and Lenny Kravitz. All were portrayed wearing white T-shirts displaying the Star of David with a hand gesture above the word “Kanye.”
Creators Defend Campaign
Guy Bar and Ori Bejerano, digital marketers with the Israeli creative agency Gitam BBDO, created the deepfake video. The creators said their goal was to confront the West’s antisemitic rhetoric. Posting the video online, Bejerano stated, “It’s time to stop being silent and respond to antisemites like Kanye West in the strongest way possible.”
While the creators defended their campaign’s message, the AI-generated nature of the video led to a backlash, raising concerns about authenticity and ethical boundaries. Nicole Lampert, writing for The Jewish Chronicle, commented, “It was thrilling to see Jewish stars standing up to Kanye West — if only they had really done it.”
Kanye West Faces Fallout
West, now legally known as Ye, faced swift repercussions after his latest antisemitic actions. His website, which began selling swastika-branded T-shirts following a controversial Super Bowl ad, was removed by Shopify for violating company policies.
Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy condemned the ad, explaining that it initially appeared as a legitimate apparel site during the Super Bowl broadcast but was later altered. Meanwhile, musician Ty Dolla $ign, who collaborated with West on the albums Vultures 1 and Vultures 2, distanced himself from the controversy.
“I do not condone any form of hate speech towards anybody,” he wrote on Instagram.
Growing AI Manipulation Risks
The Scarlett Johansson deepfake controversy underscores broader concerns about AI-driven misinformation. The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority recently reported that fake advertisements featuring celebrity images remain the most prevalent form of online scam content.
Johansson’s comments serve as a reminder that while combating hate speech is crucial, the unchecked spread of AI-generated misinformation poses a significant threat to public trust and reality.
