Comedian Tony Rock has called for an end to AI-generated videos featuring Martin Luther King Jr., labeling them as disrespectful, coinciding with OpenAI’s temporary suspension of such content after requests from King’s estate.
The rise of advanced AI video generators like OpenAI’s Sora has sparked a wave of creative but controversial deepfakes, where users can depict historical figures in absurd and often offensive scenarios. These videos have gone viral on social media, raising concerns about the ethical boundaries of synthetic media and its potential to trivialize significant legacies. As the technology becomes more accessible, the line between humor and harm blurs, prompting calls for greater accountability from tech companies and users alike.
In a recent interview at Los Angeles International Airport, Tony Rock expressed his views on the trend, specifically targeting videos that portray MLK. While he acknowledged the humor in some AI creations involving celebrities like 2Pac and Biggie, he firmly stated that MLK’s legacy as a civil rights icon should be off-limits for such mockery. Rock emphasized that certain individuals, due to their profound impact on society, deserve respect and should not be subjected to AI-driven caricatures that undermine their contributions.
Specific examples of these AI videos include depictions of MLK as a WWE wrestler or working at a KFC, along with altered versions of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. One clip even showed him making racist noises, as reported by the Washington Post, highlighting the potential for harm and disrespect. These videos spread rapidly online, with users sharing them on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where they garnered mixed reactions but largely drew criticism for their insensitivity toward a figure central to American civil rights history.
Responding to the outcry, OpenAI announced a pause on generating MLK deepfakes, citing the need to strengthen guardrails for historical figures. The company acted after Bernice A. King, MLK’s daughter, publicly pleaded for an end to the “disrespectful depictions” of her father. In a joint statement with the King estate, OpenAI committed to refining its policies to prevent similar issues, though it continues to allow videos of other historical figures, sparking debate over consistency in enforcement.
This issue extends beyond MLK, with other deceased figures like John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, and Stephen Hawking appearing in similar AI videos. Family members, including Zelda Williams for Robin Williams, have also voiced concerns, urging platforms to protect their loved ones’ legacies. The widespread use of AI for synthetic resurrection raises questions about who controls digital likenesses and how to balance free speech with moral responsibilities, especially for individuals without prominent estates to advocate for them.
AI ethicists, such as Olivia Gambelin, have criticized the delayed response, suggesting that proactive measures should have been in place from the start. They warn that deepfakes can distort historical understanding and spread misinformation, calling for stricter regulations and ethical frameworks. Gambelin noted that allowing such content risks rewriting aspects of history and eroding public trust in media, underscoring the urgency for tech companies to implement robust safeguards before releasing powerful AI tools.
Looking ahead, OpenAI’s decision sets a precedent for how tech companies handle synthetic media, but it raises questions about equity—famous individuals with active estates may receive protection, while others do not. The ongoing dialogue between AI developers, public figures, and ethicists will shape future policies on digital resurrection and free speech. As AI technology evolves, society must grapple with defining acceptable use cases to honor historical figures without stifling innovation or expression.