Zelda Williams Urges Fans to Stop Sharing AI-Generated Videos of Her Late Father
Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, has publicly requested that fans cease sending her AI-created videos featuring her father. In a heartfelt message posted on her Instagram Story, she emphasized, “Please stop sending me AI videos about Dad. Stop assuming I want to see them or that I will receive them. I don’t and won’t.” She added, “If you have any respect, please stop this-for him, for me, and for everyone involved. It’s pointless, a waste of time and energy, and certainly not something he would have wanted.”
The Rise of AI Deepfake Technology and Its Impact on the Deceased
This plea comes shortly after OpenAI launched Sora 2, a video and social app that enables users to generate highly realistic deepfake videos of themselves, friends, and even animated characters. Notably, the platform also allows the creation of deepfakes of deceased individuals, a practice that remains legally permissible in many jurisdictions. According to the Student Press Law Center, defaming someone who has passed away is not considered illegal, which opens the door for such content to proliferate.
Legal and Ethical Boundaries in AI-Generated Content
While Sora 2 restricts the creation of videos featuring living people unless explicit permission is granted by the individual or their close acquaintances, these safeguards do not extend to the deceased. As a result, the app is flooded with deepfakes of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon, as well as celebrities such as Bob Ross, John Lennon, and Alex Trebek.
Interestingly, OpenAI’s system appears inconsistent in its approach. For example, tests revealed that Sora 2 refused to generate videos of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away in 2024, and Michael Jackson, who died in 2009. However, it readily produced videos featuring Robin Williams, who died in 2014. OpenAI’s “cameo” feature allows living users to control how they appear in AI-generated videos, but no such option exists for those who have passed away, raising ethical concerns about consent and legacy preservation.
Public and Industry Reactions to AI Deepfakes of the Deceased
Zelda Williams expressed frustration over how the legacies of real people are being reduced to superficial imitations, stating, “To see the memories of genuine individuals boiled down to ‘this vaguely resembles and sounds like them, so that’s enough,’ just so others can churn out low-quality TikTok content puppeteering them, is infuriating.”
Critics argue that OpenAI’s lax policies contribute to the proliferation of unauthorized AI-generated content. Upon Sora’s release, numerous videos featuring copyrighted characters like Peter Griffin and Pikachu appeared, sparking backlash from the entertainment industry. Initially, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggested that studios and rights holders would need to opt out to prevent their intellectual property from being used. However, following pressure from the Motion Picture Association, which emphasized that established copyright laws protect creators’ rights, OpenAI has since reconsidered this stance.
The Broader Implications of AI Deepfake Technology
Sora 2 is considered one of the most advanced and potentially problematic deepfake AI tools available to the public due to its high-quality outputs. Other platforms, such as xAI, which is affiliated with Sora, reportedly have fewer restrictions, enabling the creation of explicit content without consent. This raises significant ethical and legal questions about the treatment of both living and deceased individuals in AI-generated media.
Experts warn that treating real people as mere digital playthings-whether alive or deceased-sets a dangerous precedent. Amanda Silberling, a senior technology and culture writer, highlights the urgent need for responsible AI governance to protect personal dignity and legacy in the digital age.
About the Author
Amanda Silberling is a seasoned journalist specializing in the intersection of technology and culture. She has contributed to notable outlets including Polygon, MTV, and the Kenyon Review. Amanda co-hosts the internet culture podcast “Wow If True” alongside science fiction author Isabel J. Kim. Before joining TechCrunch, she gained experience as a museum educator, film festival coordinator, and grassroots organizer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree.
For encrypted tips, contact Amanda via Signal at @amanda.100. For other inquiries or verification, email amanda@techcrunch.com.
