Scarlett Johansson has spoken out against antisemitism and advocated for legislation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) following the emergence of a deepfake video featuring her likeness, which was widely shared online. The AI-generated video showcased Johansson with a controversial image that included antisemitic themes connected to Kanye West. In her statement, she clarified her identity as a Jewish woman who cannot tolerate hate speech and stressed the escalating risks posed by AI misuse.
Johansson highlighted the urgency of legislative action, noting the potential for AI-generated hate speech to impact everyone, not just individuals. She called on the U.S. government to prioritise laws that limit AI utilisation due to its threat to societal wellbeing.
The deepfake video, created by Ori Bejerano, also included appearances by several celebrities and was set to “Hava Nagila,” a traditional Jewish song. While Johansson is currently the only celebrity to speak against this AI instance, other prominent figures, including David Schwimmer, have expressed concerns about West’s influence and the proliferation of hate on social media. They stressed the necessity of curbing platforms that amplify such sentiments. In a broader context, Johansson reinforces the need for collective action against both antisemitism and the potential harms of AI, highlighting the imperative for responsible management in an age of advancing technology.