AI-created clip featuring Jewish celebs takes swing at Kanye West over rapper’s blatant antisemitism

The Emergence of AI-Generated Content in the Fight Against Antisemitism

In a bold and unprecedented move, an AI-generated video surfaced on social media this week, featuring prominent Jewish celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Adam Sandler confronting disgraced rapper Kanye West over his blatant antisemitism. The video, which was created by Israeli generative AI expert Ori Bejerano, has sparked widespread discussion and debate. The clip is a deeply provocative response to West’s recent inflammatory actions, including his promotion of swastika shirts and his hateful rants on social media. By leveraging the likenesses of over 20 Jewish celebrities, comedians, and public figures, the video delivers a powerful message of unity and resistance against antisemitism.

The Video’s Message: A Call to Action Against Hate

The minute-long deepfake video is set to a version of the traditional Jewish song “Hava Nagila” and features the AI-generated celebrities wearing white t-shirts with a hand flipping the middle finger, a Star of David in the center, and West’s first name written below it. The imagery is unapologetically defiant, with the AI-generated Adam Sandler even giving the actual finger near the end of the montage. The video concludes with the emphatic message: “Enough Is Enough.” Bejerano, the creator, shared the video on Instagram with a caption urging people to stop being silent and respond to antisemites like West with the strongest possible force. He emphasized the need for economic and public pressure to be applied to West and others who spread hateful ideologies.

The Broader Implications of AI-Generated Celebrity Content

The use of deepfake technology to create the video has brought attention to the growing—and increasingly controversial—trend of using AI to mimic the likenesses of celebrities. Last year, Scarlett Johansson herself spoke out against a ChatGPT voice that sounded eerily similar to her, after she declined an offer to have her voice used by OpenAI. The incident highlights the ethical complexities surrounding AI-generated content, particularly when it involves the unauthorized use of someone’s likeness. While the video’s intentions are clear—to combat antisemitism—it also raises questions about the boundaries of AI in representing real individuals without their consent.

The Video’s Reach and Celebrity Involvement

Since its release, the video has gone viral, amassing millions of views across various social media platforms. The deepfake features a star-studded lineup, including Elon Musk, Drake, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Black, Michael Bloomberg, Steven Spielberg, and David Schwimmer, among others. Notably, the real-life David Schwimmer recently slammed West on Instagram, condemning his remarks and expressing outrage over the lack of sufficient backlash against him. The video’s ability to bring together such a diverse array of figures underscores the unity of the Jewish community and its allies in standing against antisemitism.

Kanye West’s Antisemitic Tirade and Backlash

West’s antisemitic remarks have been ongoing for years, but his recent actions have sparked renewed outrage. Over the course of four days, he unleashed a tirade of despicable comments on social media, including praise for Adolf Hitler and self-identification as a Nazi. These remarks led to the deletion of his X account, but not before he used a Super Bowl ad to direct viewers to a merchandise store selling swastika shirts for $20. West has faced professional and financial backlash before for his antisemitic comments, with numerous companies severing ties with his brand. Despite this, his continued embrace of hateful ideologies has left many questioning why he has not faced more severe consequences.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Hate and Combating It

The video created by Bejerano serves as a dual critique of West’s actions and the social media platforms that amplify his hate speech. Bejerano has called on social networks to stop providing a stage for antisemitism and hatred, urging them to take greater responsibility for the content they host. At the same time, the video itself is a testament to the power of social media as a tool for resistance and solidarity. By harnessing AI technology to bring together the voices of Jewish celebrities and public figures, Bejerano has created a call to action that resonates with millions. The video’s success raises important questions about the role of technology in combating hate and the ethical implications of using AI to represent real individuals in such contexts.