Scarlett Johansson has expressed deep concern about the current regulatory landscape surrounding artificial intelligence following the emergence of a deepfake video that used her likeness. In an interview with People, she called the situation “terrifying,” emphasizing her disappointment that the government has not taken sufficient steps to protect citizens from the dangers posed by AI technologies.
The controversial video, which features an AI-generated version of Johansson alongside other celebrities including Jerry Seinfeld, Mila Kunis, Jack Black, Drake, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Adam Sandler, depicts them wearing T-shirts marked with the name “Kanye” and a graphic incorporating a middle finger and the Star of David. This imagery appears to be a reaction to recent events involving Ye (formerly Kanye West), who has been involved in disseminating antisemitic content and selling provocative apparel that included a swastika before it was removed from his website.
Identifying as a Jewish woman, Johansson made it clear that she has zero tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech. She pointed out that the misuse of AI to propagate hate speech represents a far more significant threat than actions attributable to any one individual, warning that such technology could detach society from reality if left unchecked. Her call for reform emphasizes that addressing the challenges posed by AI is crucial for the future of humanity and requires coordinated bipartisan action.
This is not Johansson’s first confrontation with AI misuse. In previous instances, she has legally challenged companies for exploiting her image without authorization and has taken on major tech firms when AI applications replicated her voice. Despite mounting evidence of AI-related risks, legislative progress remains sluggish, with limited action taken on both national and international levels, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and effective regulation.