


Scarlett Johansson is speaking out after an apparently AI-altered video of herself and fellow celebrities Drake, Steven Spielberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler and others protesting Kanye West’s antisemitism went viral.
In the clip, which has been making the rounds on social media, the celebs are seen wearing T-shirts featuring a hand with its middle finger extended and the name “Kanye” written beneath it (the rapper now goes by “Ye”). The hand has a Star of David inside it.
At the end of the footage, an image of Adam Sandler sticks his middle finger up at the camera before the video ends with the messages: “Enough is Enough” and “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.”
It is unclear who created the video and whether they obtained permission from any of the celebrities to use their likenesses in the clip — although that seems unlikely, considering Johansson’s pushback.
On Wednesday, Johansson said she’s been a “very public victim of AI” while calling out its misuse in a lengthy statement.
“I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind,” the actor told People. “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.”
The Marvel star added, “We must call out the misuse of AI, no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality. I have unfortunately been a very public victim of AI.”
Last year, the actor said she was “angered” and “shocked” after OpenAI used a voice that was “eerily similar” to hers for its GPT-4o voice-enabled chatbot despite Johansson declining the company’s request to use her voice.
“The threat of AI affects each and every one of us,” Johansson continued.
“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,” she continued. “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.”
The “Jurassic World Rebirth” actor wrapped up her message by pleading with the U.S. government to pass legislation to limit the use of artificial intelligence.
“I urge the U.S. 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,” she added.
The AI video of celebrities started circulating after Ye’s latest antisemitic rant. The rapper was consequently dropped by his talent manager, and his X profile also was deactivated.
Go Ad-Free — And Protect The Free Press
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Shopify also shut down Ye’s brand’s e-commerce website after it sold shirts with swastikas on them following his bizarre Super Bowl ad, which aired on Feb. 9 and directed viewers to purchase the shirts.