Scarlett Johansson Criticizes Deepfake Video Using Her Image Without Consent
An AI-generated deepfake video showed Scarlett Johansson and other celebrities wearing shirts with offensive symbols in connection with antisemitic commentary. Johansson publicly condemned the misuse of AI technology and called for U.S. government regulation to protect citizens from such harms.
What happened
A deepfake video created with generative AI showed Scarlett Johansson, Drake, Natalie Portman, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Mila Kunis, Jack Black, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Adam Sandler wearing white shirts bearing controversial symbols, including a Nazi swastika and Star of David with a middle finger, with the name 'Kanye' displayed.
The video was created by Ori Bejerano, an AI specialist employed at an Israeli advertising company, and circulated online following antisemitic posts by Kanye West on social media platform X.
Reported impact
Scarlett Johansson expressed serious concern about the deepfake video gaining momentum online and stated to People magazine that 'hate speech amplified by artificial intelligence is a serious threat.'
Johansson called for condemnation of AI misuse and criticized the U.S. government's paralysis in passing legislation to protect citizens from AI dangers.
Index analysis
This incident demonstrates how generative AI can be weaponized to create nonconsensual synthetic media associating real individuals with hate speech and controversial causes.
The video's creation and circulation occurred after high-profile antisemitic statements, suggesting intentional coordination to amplify divisive messaging using synthetic media.
Governance controls
Instagram added a warning label to the video indicating it was created using artificial intelligence.
Johansson has previously filed lawsuits against OpenAI for unauthorized use of her voice and against companies using her likeness in AI applications, but she noted the absence of comprehensive U.S. legislation to protect citizens from AI-enabled harms.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.