Will Smith is being accused of using AI-generated footage of fans singing along to his music.
The rap artist and movie star has been staging a comeback to the music scene with the release of a new album, “Based on a True Story,” earlier this year. The new music didn’t get great reviews, with one reviewer calling it “corny” and “calculated.” Now, a hype video posted to the singer’s official YouTube page is causing even more drama.
Fans pointed out that the people in the background of some clips have distorted appearances and extra limbs, and they are engaging in repetitive motions similar to those found in AI-generated video content. Their reactions call Smith out for the video, which is titled “My favorite part of tour is seeing you all up close. Thank you for seeing me too.”
As of Wednesday, neither Smith nor his rep has commented publicly about the video, and it remains available to view on YouTube.
“Ok, this guy definitely has a humiliation fetish. No other explanation for releasing a crowd of AI abominations holding up misspelled signs about how he saved their lives,” one popular comment under the video says.
“It’s over, bro. Just enjoy your retirement,” another comment says.
“Imagine being this rich and famous and having to use AI footage of crowds and bot comments on your video. Tragic, man. You used to be cool,” a third viewer added.
On the album, Smith referenced the infamous moment at the 2022 Academy Awards when he slapped presenter Chris Rock across the face.
One of his new song lyrics says, “I heard he won the Oscar but he had to give it back/ And you know they only made him do that sh** because he’s black.”
Another line in the song mentions the incident again: “Him and Jada both crazy girl, what you talkin’ bout?/ You better keep his wife’s name out of your mouth.”
The album’s second song, “You Lookin’ for Me?” also references the drama in his personal life. The lyrics say, “Took a lot, I’m back on top/Y’all gon’ have to get acclimated/Won’t stop, my sh** still hot/ Even though I won’t get nominated.”
Previously, Smith mentioned that he had received guidance from Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for the new album. He said Jay-Z told him to “be true to your story,” which helped inspire the title. Lamar told Smith to “say that sh** you always been scared to say.”