Scarlett Johansson is taking a strong stand against the misuse of artificial intelligence
after a deepfake video falsely depicting her and other Jewish celebrities denouncing Kanye West began circulating online.
The Black Widow star, 40, issued a firm statement condemning AI-generated content and called on the U.S. government to take swift action in regulating the technology.
Johansson Calls for AI Regulations
In a statement to The New York Post on Wednesday, Johansson revealed that she was alerted to the viral fake video by her friends and family.
“It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends that an A.I.-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemitic view, has been circulating online and gaining traction,” Johansson said.
The manipulated video, reportedly created by Israeli AI expert Ori Bejerano, features over 20 high-profile Jewish celebrities, including Johansson, appearing to condemn West’s recent antisemitic remarks. The figures in the clip wear white T-shirts with an image of a hand flipping the middle finger, with a Star of David in the center and the word “Kanye” written below.
Though Johansson has been vocal against hate speech, she was quick to point out the greater danger posed by AI-driven misinformation.
“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind,” she said. “But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by A.I. is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it. We must call out the misuse of A.I., no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”
She further stressed the urgency of AI regulations, criticizing the government’s lack of action.
“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 A.I.,” Johansson added. “I urge the U.S. government to make the passing of legislation limiting A.I. use a top priority; it is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”
A History of AI Exploitation
Johansson’s frustration with AI misuse is not new. Just last year, she publicly called out OpenAI’s Sam Altman for releasing a ChatGPT voice that sounded strikingly similar to hers—despite her previous refusal to license her voice to the company. The controversy led to OpenAI pulling the voice from its system.
Now, with her likeness being used in an AI-generated video without her consent, Johansson is once again forced to address the ethical implications of deepfake technology.
“I have unfortunately been a very public victim of A.I., but the truth is that the threat of A.I. affects each and every one of us,” she warned.
The Viral AI Video and Kanye West’s Latest Controversy
The AI-manipulated video surfaced amid ongoing backlash against Kanye West, 47, for his recent antisemitic statements and actions. West sparked outrage after attempting to sell swastika-emblazoned shirts on his Yeezy website and posting a series of inflammatory remarks on social media
Set to the Jewish folk song Hava Nagila, the AI-generated clip features manipulated versions of celebrities including Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Black, Michael Bloomberg, Steven Spielberg, Mila Kunis, Ben Stiller, and David Schwimmer—all appearing to call out West. The video concludes with an AI version of Adam Sandler giving the middle finger, followed by the message “Enough Is Enough.”
Bejerano, the creator of the AI video, shared it on Instagram with the caption, “It’s time to stop being silent and respond to anti-Semites like Kanye West in the strongest way possible.”
While some praised the video’s message, Johansson’s response highlights the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content—regardless of intent.
David Schwimmer Also Condemns West
Beyond AI manipulation, several real-life celebrities have spoken out against West’s recent remarks. Friends star David Schwimmer, who was also featured in the deepfake video, personally condemned West’s behavior in a passionate Instagram post.
“I don’t know what’s worse—the fact that he identifies as a Nazi (which implies he wants to exterminate ALL marginalized communities, including his own) or the fact that there is not sufficient OUTRAGE to remove and ban him from all social media at this point,” Schwimmer wrote.
West’s online tirades included a four-day spree on X (formerly Twitter), during which he praised Adolf Hitler, claimed to be a Nazi, and denied the existence of antisemitism. His account was later deactivated.
Adding fuel to the controversy, West’s Super Bowl commercial directed viewers to a website selling a single product: a $20 swastika T-shirt. The offensive merchandise triggered an even stronger backlash, with many calling for a complete boycott of West’s brand.
The Growing Threat of AI Misinformation
While the AI-generated video was intended as a response to West’s actions, Johansson’s outrage underscores the broader issue of deepfake technology being used without consent. The ability to fabricate realistic videos poses a serious threat to public trust, as it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake content.
Johansson’s call for government intervention reflects a growing demand for legal protections against AI exploitation. With high-profile incidents like this one gaining attention, pressure is mounting for lawmakers to establish clear regulations that prevent AI from being used to manipulate the public.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Johansson’s stance serves as a warning: if left unchecked, AI could be weaponized in ways that have profound consequences for truth, privacy, and democracy.
