Pub Mentzen apologizes for AI-generated meme of tennis player Iga Świątek
A pub in Toruń owned by Polish political leader Sławomir Mentzen posted an AI-generated meme depicting tennis player Iga Świątek without consent. The pub subsequently apologized and committed to compensation and policy changes.
What happened
On 13 January 2025, Pub Mentzen, located in Toruń and owned by Sławomir Mentzen, posted an AI-generated meme on Facebook depicting tennis player Iga Świątek pouring vodka into glasses. The caption referenced a dispute between Świątek and footballer Robert Lewandowski.
The pub removed the post after it sparked criticism online for unauthorized use of Świątek's likeness.
Reported impact
The post generated significant online controversy regarding the unauthorized use of Świątek's image.
Index analysis
The incident involves use of generative AI to create a synthetic image of a real person without consent.
Governance controls
Pub Mentzen issued a Facebook statement apologizing for the unauthorized use of Świątek's likeness and committed not to publish future content using her image.
The pub committed to paying compensation to an organization fighting alcohol addiction.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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