Zelda Williams has pleaded with people created AI videos of her late dad Robin Williams to “have some shame”.
Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda has begged those creating AI videos of the late comic to “let him rest”.
The 37-year-old star, whose father tragically took his own life aged 63 in 2014, has issued a scathing response after a fake video started to circulate on social media.
She wrote on her Instagram Story: “That supposedly ‘private video’ of dad that I’ve been shown talking about conspiracies is clearly Al, and not even particularly convincing Al.
“Anyone who claims to be a fan who believes it clearly listened to his movies on mute because that voice is robotic and terrible.
“That said, a human made a robot create it, and to you I say: Leave him out of your delusional bulls*** and let him rest.
“If you cannot make your case without making a dead man make it more convincing for you, then tell me: who’s the one manipulating the public thru media now? (sic)”
The Lady Frankenstein filmmaker branded X a “cesspool of an app” filled with “bots and people willingly being duped by bots”, and explained she was repeating her point out of love for her late dad.
She added: “Just because he’s gone does not mean he’s now your puppet. Have some shame.”
Zelda noted that while she “abhors AI in every form”, there is a “particular moral point” in this situation.
She continued: “If you use these ‘tools’ to recreate real people and make them do whatever you’d like, you are very much removing their consent from the equation.
“If they, as human beings, would not or cannot make the choice to perform these acts for you in reality by their own free will, then you are actively manipulating their visage, voice or body to do so, likely against their wishes, and that means you are denying another person their autonomy and humanity solely for your entertainment.
“Don’t become those petulant hated kings whose jesters only danced because they did so at the end of a sword.”
Last month, Zelda and her siblings Zak, 43, and Cody Williams, 34, revived Robin’s Instagram in a bid to battle “rampant AI abuse” of his likeness.
Explaining the reason behind the move, Zelda wrote on her Instagram Story: “Believe me, I know it’s a little strange.
“Making that space into one where people can find authentic clips and photos of him is one of the best ways we’ve now found to fight back against rampant AI abuse of his voice and likeness on here.”
Zelda also acknowledged that seeing Williams’ account active again may be “triggering” for some fans.
A month after the Aladdin and Hook star would’ve turned 75, his children revealed they want his Instagram account to be a “safe, trusted place” to fans to see examples of his work.
In their original joint statement on his revived account, they wrote: “As we recognize what would be our Dad’s 75th year, we’re grateful to see new generations discovering his work while longtime fans continue to celebrate the joy he brought into their lives.
“As technology evolves, we want this to be a safe, trusted place where the stories, photos, videos, and memories shared reflect his legacy with authenticity, warmth, and care.
“This is our way of sharing his unique talent and humor with the world, including the moments that made us and so many of you laugh, as we remember our Dad’s extraordinary life and work. He continues to inspire us and delight people all over the world.
Zak, Zelda, and Cody Williams (sic)”
Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda slams ‘delusional’ AI videos of late star: ‘Let him rest!’
