Scarlett Johansson criticises use of AI in video of celebrities fighting Kanye West’s antisemitism

Scarlett Johansson has spoken out against a viral AI-generated video of celebrities protesting Kanye West’s latest antisemitic rant.

The clip features images of Johansson, along with other Jewish stars like Jack Black, Mila Kunis, Drake and Steven Spielberg, all wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the Star of David inside a hand making a middle finger gesture, complete with the name ‘Kanye’ beneath it.

The video ends with an AI version of Adam Sandler making the gesture at the camera and the messages “Enough is Enough” and “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism”.

However, it does not appear that the stars gave consent for their images to be used or had prior knowledge of the video.

In a statement, Johansson condemned the misuse of AI, stating: “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.”

Scarlett Johansson has issued a statement speaking out against a viral AI-created video (Image: X)[Missing Credit]

The actress, who has previously been outspoken on AI issues, added: “I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI. But the truth is that the threat of AI affects each and every one of us.

“There is a 1000-foot wave coming regarding AI that several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded to in a responsible manner. It is terrifying that the US government is paralysed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of AI.”

Johansson concluded her statement by urging lawmakers to take action, writing: “I urge the US government to make the passing of legislation limiting AI use a top priority; it is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”

In response, Guy Bar, the creator of the video and an AI professional from Israel, explained the intentions behind the project in an interview with the JC.

Bar said: “There's no money involved. We are not making any kind of profit out of it. So it's not that we are using a likeness of someone to make any profit. It's more about the realm of art and culture and creativity and social issues.

“I think that the fact that we did it for a very important cause, and I believe that it's also very important for the people that we chose to be in this video because they're all Jewish. So I think it makes it softer, if we can put it this way.”

Bar also noted that none of the featured celebrities had contacted him about the video.

Responding directly to Johansson’s comments, he acknowledged her stance against antisemitism and her concerns about AI’s role in society, adding: “I saw Scarlett Johansson’s statement and read it very carefully. What she said, very important things. First of all, she said, ‘Of course, I'm against what he did, okay, as a Jew, and this is something we cannot accept’. And secondly, she talked not just specifically about this video but generally about the role of AI in today’s world.”

Johansson has long been a critic of AI misuse and has already faced personal struggles with the technology.

In November 2023, she took legal action against an AI app that used her likeness in an advertisement without her consent.

She later condemned OpenAI in May 2024 after they used her voice from the film Her as inspiration for a chatbot.