Sunday, October 19, 2025

OpenAI Bans MLK Jr. Deepfakes Amid Concerns Over Disrespectful Representations

AI-generated deepfake videos of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. have sparked controversy, showcasing him in disrespectful scenarios like shoplifting and perpetuating racial stereotypes. King’s estate condemned these videos, labeling them as “disrespectful depictions.” Bernice King, his daughter, urged audiences on X to stop sharing such content. While OpenAI acknowledged free speech concerns, it asserted that estates should control how public figures’ likenesses are utilized. The Sora app, currently in invite-only testing, previously allowed the creation of deepfake videos using celebrity identities without consent. This has drawn criticism for its reckless content safety approach. In response to backlash, Sora updated its policy, now requiring opt-in consent from rights holders. The families of several deceased public figures, including Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, have reiterated their disapproval of AI-generated tributes, emphasizing that it doesn’t align with their loved ones’ legacies.

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