A recent AI-generated deepfake of actress Jennifer Aniston circulated widely on Facebook, leading to confusion and concern among her fans. The Jennifer Aniston bikini body ad is latest AI scam to circulate on social media, misleading many viewers. The video falsely depicted the “Friends” star promoting collagen supplements, claiming these helped her maintain a “bikini shape” in her 50s. The clip was eventually removed, but not before amassing a significant number of views.
Fitness influencer Ben Carpenter helped debunk the video, tracing its origin to a Hollywood Reporter roundtable interview featuring Aniston, Nicole Kidman, and Naomi Watts. Carpenter noted that the AI-altered video had taken a snippet from the interview where Aniston was discussing acting, with no reference to health or body shape. He pointed out that the body language in the deepfake matched the original footage, confirming that the video was not authentic.
Carpenter’s findings highlighted the growing concern around the misuse of AI technology to create misleading content. He commented on Instagram that this case serves as a stark reminder of how AI can manipulate media, warning that it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish real videos from fakes.
Concerns Raised Over AI Deepfakes
Fans quickly realized that Jennifer Aniston’s bikini body ad is latest AI scam, sparking concern over the use of AI in fake advertisements. Jennifer Aniston’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, legal and AI experts have expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of deepfakes. Rob Rosenberg, founder of Telluride Legal Strategies, agreed that the video was obviously fake, noting that some discrepancies, like lip-syncing issues, could alert fans. Rosenberg emphasized that such manipulations are becoming a “game of whack-a-mole,” where fake content is removed only after it has been widely shared.
Aniston is not the only celebrity facing this issue. Other stars, including Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson, have also had their likeness used in unauthorized AI-generated ads. Hanks recently warned fans about a deepfake video of him promoting a “wonder drug,” urging them not to be deceived.
Marva Bailer, an AI expert, pointed out that fans are often quick to question AI-manipulated content, especially with celebrities like Aniston who do not frequently use social media for endorsements. She explained that Aniston’s relatively low social media activity likely raised red flags for many viewers, making the fake ad seem out of character.
California’s AI Legislation
California has recently passed legislation aimed at addressing the issue of unauthorized AI usage in digital media. On September 17, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills, AB 1836 and AB 2602, which aim to protect performers from AI-generated replicas of their likeness, both living and deceased. The legislation, supported by the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA, was hailed as a significant step forward in safeguarding performers’ rights.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher praised the new laws, calling them a victory for performers and the entertainment industry. However, Governor Newsom also vetoed another bill, SB 1047, which would have imposed stricter regulations on AI across various sectors. The governor argued that while the bill had good intentions, it applied overly stringent standards even to basic AI functions, potentially stifling innovation.
Fitness expert Ben Carpenter confirmed that Jennifer Aniston’s bikini body ad is latest AI scam by tracing the footage back to an unrelated interview. Legal experts agree that while legislation is crucial, enforcement remains a challenge. Platforms are obligated to take down unauthorized content, but only after it’s reported, meaning that many deepfakes, like the Aniston video, could go viral before being addressed.
Bailer explained that the low cost and accessibility of AI tools are fueling the spread of these videos. With digital manipulation becoming easier, individuals and companies can create fake ads for profit or malicious purposes. The growing availability of AI technology makes it harder to control the misuse of celebrity likenesses.
