Scarlett Johansson Calls for AI Deepfake Ban After Disturbing Video Goes Viral

Scarlett Johansson is once again speaking out against the dangers of artificial intelligence after a disturbing AI-generated deepfake video featuring her and several other public figures went viral. The video falsely depicted Johansson and a group of Jewish celebrities wearing a controversial T-shirt that appeared to reference Kanye West in a negative light, sparking widespread concern about AI’s growing role in misinformation.

The AI-generated video also featured prominent Jewish figures such as Jerry Seinfeld, Mila Kunis, Jack Black, Drake, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Adam Sandler. In the altered images, they appeared to be wearing a shirt displaying the word “Kanye” alongside a middle finger with a Star of David at the center. This seemed to be in response to Kanye West’s recent return to social media, where he made inflammatory antisemitic remarks.

West has faced backlash after attempting to sell shirts featuring a swastika on his online store. Shopify intervened by removing his store from its platform, preventing the sale of the offensive merchandise. However, this AI-generated video went a step further by falsely inserting Johansson and other celebrities into the controversy without their consent, using deepfake technology to fabricate an event that never happened.

Scarlett Johansson swiftly condemned the video, criticizing both AI misuse and the lack of government regulation. In a statement to People magazine, she expressed frustration with lawmakers’ inaction, saying, “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 A.I.”

Johansson has been an advocate against AI-related exploitation for years, having previously taken legal action against companies that used her likeness and voice without permission. This latest incident, however, highlights a larger societal threat—AI is now being weaponized to spread misinformation, influence public perception, and create false narratives that can have real-world consequences.

While Johansson emphasized her condemnation of antisemitism, she also pointed out the broader risks of AI-generated misinformation. Deepfake technology, she warned, is becoming an increasingly dangerous tool that allows fabricated content to spread rapidly online, with little accountability for those responsible for creating and distributing such material.

Despite widespread concerns about AI’s potential for harm, lawmakers in the United States have struggled to implement meaningful regulations to address the issue. Johansson called for bipartisan action to establish AI safety laws, but progress has been slow. A 2024 proposal to combat sexually explicit deepfakes has yet to be enacted, and in September 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a significant AI regulation bill, citing concerns about government overreach. The issue became even more complex in January 2025 when President Donald Trump rescinded an AI-focused executive order established by Joe Biden, rolling back previous federal efforts to regulate AI usage.

International collaboration on AI safety has also faced challenges, with both the United States and the United Kingdom choosing not to sign an international agreement promoting ethical AI use. This lack of urgency among global leaders suggests that the issue will likely continue to grow unless stronger measures are put in place.

This is not the first time Johansson has publicly opposed AI misuse. In November 2023, she sued an AI company for using her likeness in an advertisement without consent. More recently, she confronted OpenAI after discovering that one of ChatGPT’s voices resembled her performance in the 2013 film Her. OpenAI later removed the voice from its system after Johansson’s public criticism in June 2024.

Her latest call to action highlights the increasing dangers of AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes that manipulate real people and distort reality. The viral nature of deepfake videos proves how easily misinformation can spread, and Johansson’s case is just one example of AI’s ability to create false narratives with possible real-world consequences.

According to Johansson, AI deepfakes are no longer just a technological curiosity—they have become a dangerous tool for misinformation that can damage reputations, fuel controversy, and even incite violence. Without strong regulations, public figures and everyday citizens alike remain at risk of being misrepresented by AI-generated content.

Until legal protections are established, Johansson warns that the problem will only worsen. AI’s ability to create false realities at such an unprecedented scale poses a significant danger to democracy, public trust, and personal safety. Her message is clear: urgent action is needed to hold creators of AI-generated misinformation accountable before the technology spirals further out of control.