Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, has expressed her concern over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate her father’s likeness. In a statement posted on Instagram Stories, Zelda criticized the technology, stating that for years she has witnessed people attempting to train AI models to recreate actors who cannot provide their consent, like her father.
Zelda emphasized that this issue is not merely theoretical but a real and disturbing practice. She revealed that she has already heard AI being used to mimic her father’s voice and say whatever people want, which she finds personally unsettling. However, despite her own feelings, Zelda stressed the broader implications of this technology. She argued that living actors should have the opportunity to bring characters to life through their own choices, to lend their voices to animated projects, and to invest their human effort and time into the craft of performance.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have been actively negotiating on behalf of their members to address concerns regarding AI. The WGA recently ended their strike after reaching an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), while SAG-AFTRA is set to resume negotiations with studios next week.
Zelda further expressed her thoughts on AI, describing these recreations as being, at best, poor imitations of great figures and, at worst, monstrous representations stitched together from the worst aspects of the industry. She highlighted the need to uphold the values of the entertainment industry and ensure that these technologies do not overshadow the talent and creativity of human actors.
This issue raises important questions about the ethical implications of AI in the entertainment industry. While advancements in technology offer exciting possibilities, the issue of consent and the rights of living actors to have control over their own performances must be addressed. As discussions continue, it is essential to find a balance that respects both the potential benefits of AI and the integrity of human artistic expression.
