Dr. Bernice King has publicly backed Zelda Williams’ appeal to halt the creation of artificial intelligence-generated videos that portray deceased public figures, including her late father, Robin Williams. This growing trend involves using AI technology to recreate the voices and likenesses of iconic personalities, raising ethical concerns about respect and legacy preservation.
Concerns Over AI Videos Imitating Late Icons
Zelda Williams criticized the AI-generated videos of her father as disrespectful, calling the practice “gross” and harmful to his memory. Highlighting the emotional impact on families, she expressed strong disapproval of the artificial recreations that mimic his voice and performance style. Dr. Bernice King, known for advocating the ethical use of her father Martin Luther King Jr.’s image and words, reinforced this stance by urging people to stop the misuse of AI in this context.
I concur concerning my father. Please stop.
Bernice King, Civil Rights Leader’s Daughter
You’re not making art, you’re making disgusting over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings,
Zelda Williams, Robin Williams’ Daughter
The Broader Implications for Legacy and Family
The support of Dr. Bernice King adds significant weight to the ongoing debate about AI’s role in recreating the likenesses of cultural icons. Families of such figures often strive to maintain the integrity of their loved ones’ legacies, and the rise of AI-generated content raises serious questions about consent, respect, and the potential emotional toll. This cooperation between descendants of influential individuals highlights the urgent need for ethical guidelines around the use of AI in representing deceased celebrities.
