Bernice King backs Zelda Williams’ call to end AI recreations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robin Williams

Dr Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., has voiced her support for filmmaker Zelda Williams’ request to stop the use of artificial intelligence to recreate the likenesses of deceased public figures.

King expressed her stance on Tuesday in a brief post on X, writing, “I concur concerning my father. Please stop.” Her statement followed Zelda Williams’ remarks about AI-generated videos imitating her late father, Robin Williams.

Williams, who directed Lisa Frankenstein, had criticised the growing trend of AI recreations in a post on Instagram. “If you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop,” she wrote, referring to videos using her father’s image and voice. “It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want.”

She went on to argue that AI-generated clips disrespect “the legacies of real people,” describing the trend as “horrible TikTok slop.” Williams added, “You’re not making art, you’re making disgusting over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings, out of the history of art and music.”

King’s support highlights growing concerns among the families of late cultural figures about the ethical implications of AI recreations. Both have called for an end to these digital imitations, citing a lack of consent and the potential distortion of personal legacies.

The issue comes amid broader debates in Hollywood about the role of AI in creative industries. Technology companies such as OpenAI have faced increased scrutiny over copyright and digital rights, with rights holders urging stronger protections for artists and their estates.

King’s brief but firm message echoes a shared sentiment among many in the entertainment community; that the memory of real individuals should not be altered or exploited through artificial means.