Scarlett Johansson is urging lawmakers to take action against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) after a digitally altered video featuring her likeness went viral. 

The manipulated footage, which has been widely shared on social media platforms like X and Instagram, falsely depicts Johansson 

and several other celebrities protesting against rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

The controversy surrounding this AI-generated video highlights growing concerns about deepfakes, misinformation, and the ethical use of AI. 

Johansson, who has been vocal about AI-related issues in the past, is now calling for urgent government intervention to regulate the rapidly advancing technology.

AI-Generated Video Sparks Outrage

The video in question features manipulated clips of multiple celebrities, including Johansson, rapper Drake, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and actor Adam Sandler. The doctored footage shows them wearing T-shirts with the Star of David inside a hand making an obscene middle finger gesture. Below the design, the word “KANYE” is prominently displayed. The video ends with a call to “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.”

Social media users quickly began sharing the footage in response to Ye’s latest controversy. The rapper recently came under fire for selling swastika-emblazoned T-shirts on his website, which he had promoted during a Super Bowl ad. Ye has also faced backlash for making antisemitic statements on X, where he went as far as declaring himself a Nazi. His account was deactivated last week, and his online store was taken down after Shopify determined it violated the platform’s rules.

In a statement addressing the AI-generated video, Johansson expressed deep concern over the unauthorized use of her likeness.

“It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends that an AI-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemitic view, has been circulating online and gaining traction,” Johansson said.

The actor, who is Jewish, reaffirmed her stance against antisemitism but also emphasized that the broader issue at hand is the increasing threat posed by AI-driven misinformation.

“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind,” she stated. “But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by AI is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it. We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”

Growing Concerns Over AI Misuse

It remains unclear who originally created the manipulated video. NBC News has not independently confirmed whether AI software was used, but Instagram has flagged at least one repost of the footage with a disclaimer indicating that the content was digitally altered using AI.

When contacted for comment, representatives for X and Meta (which owns Instagram) did not immediately respond. Other celebrities featured in the fake video have also yet to issue statements.

The unauthorized use of Johansson’s likeness is not an isolated incident. In recent years, numerous public figures have fallen victim to deepfake technology.

In late 2023, Johansson’s legal team took action against an AI-focused app that used an AI-generated version of her likeness in an advertisement without her consent. And in May 2023, OpenAI was forced to pause the use of a voice in its GPT-4o chatbot after Johansson accused the company of creating a voice that closely resembled hers in the film Her. OpenAI denied any intentional imitation, but Johansson remained outraged by the situation.

Other high-profile individuals, including Taylor Swift, YouTuber MrBeast, and actor Tom Hanks, have also been targeted by AI-generated deepfakes, often in the form of misleading advertisements or fraudulent promotions.

Johansson Urges Lawmakers to Take Action

With AI technology becoming more sophisticated and accessible, Johansson is calling for legislative measures to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated content.

“I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI, but the truth is that the threat of AI affects each and every one of us,” she said.

Despite AI’s growing presence in society, there is currently no comprehensive federal legislation in the United States regulating its use. While some states have introduced or passed laws addressing specific AI concerns—particularly regarding political deepfakes—there is no nationwide framework governing AI development and misuse.

Johansson criticized the U.S. government for its lack of urgency on the issue, noting that other countries have already begun implementing responsible AI regulations.

“There is a 1,000-foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded to in a responsible manner,” she warned. “It is terrifying that the U.S. government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”

She concluded by urging lawmakers to prioritize AI regulations, calling it a bipartisan issue with far-reaching consequences.

“It is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large,” she stated.

The Need for AI Safeguards

Johansson’s concerns echo those of other public figures, tech experts, and policymakers who have warned about the dangers of unregulated AI. From spreading misinformation and manipulating public opinion to violating privacy and damaging reputations, deepfakes and AI-generated content pose a significant threat to society.

While AI has many positive applications, its misuse has the potential to erode public trust and distort reality. Without regulations in place, anyone—celebrity or ordinary citizen—can become a victim of AI manipulation.

Johansson’s call to action adds to the growing pressure on U.S. lawmakers to address these concerns before the problem escalates further. Whether or not Congress will respond with concrete legislation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over AI’s ethical use is only just beginning.

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