Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, has taken to social media to urge fans to refrain from sending her AI-generated videos of her father. In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram Stories on October 6, the 36-year-old filmmaker expressed her dismay at receiving these videos, asking fans to stop circulating them.
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Williams made a poignant plea, asking fans to exhibit decency by discontinuing the circulation of AI videos featuring her father. Emphasizing that she does not wish to see or understand these videos, she appealed for respect towards her father’s memory and legacy. Williams stressed that such actions are not in line with what her father would have wanted and labelled them as a futile waste of time and energy.
The filmmaker condemned the trend on social media platforms where AI-generated videos of deceased celebrities, including her father, are being circulated. She voiced her frustration at witnessing the manipulation of real people’s legacies through these videos, describing them as distasteful creations that serve no purpose other than seeking approval on social media.
In a subsequent Instagram Stories post, Williams continued to express her dissatisfaction with artificial intelligence being used to recreate her father’s voice and image without consent. She highlighted the broader implications of such AI tools, underscoring the importance of living actors having agency over their performances and artistic endeavors.
This is not the first time Zelda Williams has spoken out against the misuse of her father’s image and voice. In October 2023, during the SAG-AFTRA strike, she vocalized her concerns about AI being used to recreate actors who cannot provide consent, such as her late father. She reiterated the need to respect the boundaries of deceased individuals and advocated for ethical practices in the entertainment industry.
Robin Williams, known for his iconic roles in animated films such as Aladdin and Happy Feet, passed away in August 2014 at the age of 63. He left behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment world, survived by his children Zackary “Zak” Williams and Cody Alan Williams, as well as his widow Susan Schneider.
As the conversation around AI technology and its impact on celebrity likeness continues to evolve, Zelda Williams’ message serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honouring the wishes and memories of those who have passed away. Her advocacy for ethical practices in the entertainment industry resonates with fans and industry professionals alike, prompting discussions on consent, legacy, and the ethical use of technology in creating digital representations of individuals.