In less than two weeks since its release, OpenAI’s Sora 2 AI video app has experienced a whirlwind of events. It achieved over a million downloads faster than ChatGPT, sparked an explosion of counterfeit content, ignited turmoil within the entertainment industry, and prompted a reevaluation of copyright policies. Amidst this chaos, the app has also left the families of deceased celebrities and renowned figures in a state of disbelief and horror.
The Dead Come Alive
Shortly after the Sora 2 app was launched, the internet was inundated with startlingly realistic videos of long-deceased public figures. These AI-generated clips showcased individuals like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Amy Winehouse, Robin Williams, Malcolm X, and Elvis Presley, bringing forth a new layer of ethical dilemmas in digital media.
For example, one video featured Robin Williams performing stand-up, humorously commenting on the fact that Sora allowed people to create videos of him posthumously. “Wow! That’s commitment. I’m not even here and I’m still working clubs!” he jokingly stated.
— Jason Rink (@TheJasonRink) October 4, 2025
Following the surge in these videos, Hollywood studios and creative agencies criticized OpenAI for enabling the use of likenesses of actors without securing explicit consent. “OpenAI needs to take immediate and decisive action to address this issue,” stated Charles Rivkin, chief of the Motion Picture Association (MPA).
In response, OpenAI tightened its copyright rules concerning the likenesses of celebrities, pledging to remove videos of deceased individuals at their families’ requests. Although the use of AI to resurrect the deceased is not a new phenomenon, the questions surrounding consent and legal rights are currently more pertinent than ever.
An Uphill Battle Seeking Rest and Respect
“If you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop. It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want,” expressed Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, on Instagram.
Kelly Carlin-McCall, daughter of comedy icon George Carlin, shared her frustrations on BlueSky, saying, “We are doing our best to combat it, but it’s overwhelming and depressing.”
Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, expressed her hurt in a statement to The Washington Post, declaring, “It is deeply disrespectful and hurtful to see my father’s image used in such a cavalier and insensitive manner when he dedicated his life to truth.”
Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., also chimed in on X, voicing her agreement with Zelda Williams in a plea for respect: “Please stop.”
Joan Kowalski, president of a company that holds copyright protection over the content of late painter Bob Ross, noted, “There’s some sort of weird human condition where they want to take the most lovely, innocent thing and bash it,” encapsulating the broader feeling of indignation surrounding the misuse of deceased celebrities’ likenesses.
This tumultuous situation highlights a critical discourse on the intersection of technology, ethics, and respect for legacy, raising essential questions about how society navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-generated content.
You can read more details in the original article from Digital Trends.
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