Scarlett Johansson is calling on U.S. legislators to impose restrictions on artificial intelligence following the circulation of an unauthorized AI-generated video. In response to a viral deepfake video, Scarlett Johansson calls for AI laws to protect individuals’ digital identities. The video, featuring manipulated images of Johansson and other Jewish celebrities, has gone viral online.
The controversial video opens with an AI-generated version of Johansson, wearing a white T-shirt displaying an image of a hand with its middle finger raised. A Star of David is seen in the center of the hand, with the name “Kanye” written below. The video features AI-generated versions of several Jewish celebrities, including Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Black, Mila Kunis, and Lenny Kravitz. It concludes with an AI-generated Adam Sandler making an offensive gesture as the Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila” plays. The video ends with the messages “Enough is Enough” and “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.”
Johansson Condemns AI Misuse
After being targeted by unauthorized AI videos, Scarlett Johansson calls for AI laws to safeguard privacy and consent. In a statement to PEOPLE, Johansson denounced the unauthorized use of her likeness, calling it a “misuse of AI, no matter what its messaging.” She emphasized that although she stands firmly against antisemitism and hate speech, the potential for AI to amplify hate speech poses a greater threat. She stated, “The threat of AI affects each and every one of us.”
Johansson criticized the U.S. government for its inaction on AI legislation, calling it “terrifying” that lawmakers are “paralyzed” in addressing the dangers of AI. She urged the U.S. government to prioritize the passage of laws limiting AI use, highlighting it as a bipartisan issue impacting the future of humanity.
Recurring Victim of AI Manipulation
This incident is not Johansson’s first experience with AI misuse. In November 2023, she threatened legal action against a company for using her AI likeness without permission in an advertisement. In May 2024, she expressed outrage after hearing a synthetic voice eerily resembling hers as part of OpenAI’s ChatGPT system, called Sky.
While Johansson is the only celebrity featured in the video to publicly condemn the use of AI, other Jewish celebrities have previously spoken out against Kanye West’s controversial actions. “Friends” star David Schwimmer recently urged Elon Musk to block West from X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns over the rapper’s antisemitic remarks. West, who now goes by Ye, deactivated his X account after facing widespread backlash for selling T-shirts with swastikas and the product code “HH” on his website.
Creator Defends AI Video
The AI video was created by Ori Bejerano, who identifies as a generative AI expert. In his original post, Bejerano included a notice stating that the content was digitally created or altered using AI. In a statement, Bejerano defended the video as a response to West’s antisemitic views, calling for social media platforms to take stronger action against hate speech.
Growing Calls for AI Regulation
Warning about AI’s potential for misuse, Scarlett Johansson calls for AI laws to balance innovation with accountability. Johansson’s call for AI regulation adds to the growing debate over the ethical use of artificial intelligence in digital media. Her demand for legislation comes as public concern over deepfakes and AI-generated content continues to rise.
The viral AI-generated video featuring Scarlett Johansson and other Jewish celebrities raises serious ethical concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence. The video, designed to condemn antisemitism, instead sparked a debate on the ethical implications of AI-generated content. This incident highlights the fine line between free speech and the ethical use of technology.
