Scarlett Johansson condemns AI-generated video of celebrities protesting Kanye West’s antisemitism

Scarlett Johansson
| Photo Credit: Scott A Garfitt

Scarlett Johansson has publicly condemned a viral AI-generated video featuring deepfake versions of herself and other celebrities protesting Kanye West’s recent antisemitic remarks. The video, which circulated widely online, depicted AI versions of Johansson, Jack Black, Mila Kunis, Drake, Steven Spielberg, and Adam Sandler wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the Star of David inside a middle-finger gesture, with the word “Kanye” underneath. The clip ended with the messages: “Enough is Enough” and “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.”

In a statement, Johansson criticised the unauthorized use of AI, despite aligning with the message. “I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind. But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by AI is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it. We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”

Johansson has been an outspoken critic of AI’s misuse, previously taking legal action against an AI company in 2023 for using her likeness in an advertisement and later accusing OpenAI in 2024 of replicating her voice from Her. She expressed frustration over the lack of U.S. legislation regulating AI: “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 AI.”

West, meanwhile, continues to face backlash for his antisemitic rhetoric, with his talent manager dropping him, his X profile being deactivated, and his Yeezy website going offline after selling a swastika-emblazoned shirt.