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AI-Generated Video Targets Kanye West for Antisemitic Remarks
On Tuesday, an AI-generated video featuring numerous Jewish celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson and Adam Sandler, went viral on social media. The video, created by Israeli generative AI expert Ori Bejerano, took a strong stance against Kanye West, 47, whose recent actions and statements have reignited controversy and outrage. West has been widely criticized for attempting to sell swastika shirts and for his antisemitic comments on social media over the past week. The minute-long clip is set to a version of “Hava Nagila” and features over 20 actors, musicians, entrepreneurs, and comedians, all wearing a white t-shirt with a hand flipping the middle finger and a Star of David in the center, with West’s first name beneath it.
Celebrities Speak Out with Strong Messages
The deepfake video includes a range of well-known personalities, such as Adam Sandler, who gives the actual finger near the end of the montage, followed by the message “Enough Is Enough.” Bejerano, the creator, emphasized the need to break the silence and respond to antisemitism in the strongest possible way. In his Instagram caption, he stated, “It’s time to stop being silent and respond to anti-Semites like Kanye West in the strongest way possible.” Bejerano also called for social networks to take more decisive action to combat antisemitism and hatred, advocating for economic and public pressure on individuals like West who spread such harmful messages.
The Growing Trend of AI and Celebrities
The use of AI to generate celebrity images and voices has become increasingly common and controversial in recent years. Last year, Scarlett Johansson publicly criticized a ChatGPT voice from Sam Altman’s OpenAI that sounded eerily similar to hers, after the actress had declined an offer from the tech company to use her voice. This incident led to the removal of the speaking voice. The deepfake video has garnered millions of views on social media, featuring notable figures such as Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Black, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Steven Spielberg, Mila Kunis, Ben Stiller, and David Schwimmer.
David Schwimmer’s Personal Criticism
David Schwimmer, one of the celebrities featured in the video, took to Instagram to express his personal disdain for West’s actions. He wrote, “I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that he identifies as a Nazi (which implies he wants to exterminate ALL marginalized communities including his own) or the fact that there is not sufficient OUTRAGE to remove and ban him from all social media at this point.” Schwimmer’s post highlighted the broader issue of social media platforms being slow to address and remove content that promotes hatred and violence.
Kanye West’s Despicable Remarks and Backlash
West’s recent behavior has been marked by a series of despicable statements and actions. Over a four-day period, he filled his social media with virulent antisemitic remarks, including praising Adolf Hitler and identifying as a Nazi. He eventually deleted his X account earlier this month. The controversy reached a new low when an ad during the Super Bowl directed viewers to a merch store offering a $20 swastika shirt. These actions have led to widespread backlash, with companies severing ties with West and his brand. His history of antisemitic comments has long caused significant harm and moral condemnation.
A Call for Action and Accountability
The viral AI-generated video serves as a powerful call to action, urging social media platforms and the public to take a firm stand against antisemitism and other forms of hatred. Bejerano’s creation not only highlights the strength and unity of the Jewish community but also underscores the importance of holding individuals like Kanye West accountable for their words and actions. As the debate over AI-generated content and its ethical implications continues, this video stands as a testament to the power of technology when used to combat prejudice and promote social justice.
