OpenAI restricts Sora video generation of Martin Luther King Jr. after offensive content
OpenAI restricted the use of Martin Luther King Jr.'s likeness in Sora, its video generation AI application, after disrespectful videos of the civil rights leader circulated online. King's daughter Bernice King and Malcolm X's family complained that the synthetic videos dishonored the legacies of these historical figures.
What happened
OpenAI announced on October 16 that it halted the use of Martin Luther King Jr.'s likeness in its video generation AI service Sora after disrespectful videos depicting the civil rights leader circulated online.
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., requested that OpenAI stop the practice. Videos also circulated of Malcolm X depicted making vulgar jokes and fighting with King.
Reported impact
Malcolm X's family stated that the disrespectful use of their father's likeness was "insulting and heartbreaking," saying the ideals of "truth" that he devoted his life to were "being exploited in a thoughtless and careless manner."
Index analysis
OpenAI initially claimed that videos of real people required consent and said it had included features to prevent celebrity impersonation, but excluded historical figures from these restrictions, arguing that depictions of historical figures have strong public interest and are protected by freedom of expression.
Governance controls
OpenAI halted the generation of videos depicting Martin Luther King Jr. in response to the complaints and offensive content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.