Former Disney star Calum Worthy faces backlash over 2Wai app and AI holoavatar technology

Calum Worthy draws growing criticism after promoting 2Wai, an AI avatar platform raising concerns about consent

Actor Calum Worthy is at the center of growing online criticism surrounding his involvement with 2Wai, an emerging tech platform that uses AI-driven “HoloAvatar” tools to generate realistic digital recreations of users. Worthy—best known for his roles in Disney Channel’s Austin & Ally and Hulu’s true-crime series The Act—has faced intense scrutiny after the app sparked widespread debate about consent, digital likeness rights and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

As outlined in the Primetimer report, 2Wai markets itself as a next-generation social and creative tool, allowing users to build hyper-realistic holographic avatars capable of performing scripted or AI-generated actions. Supporters argue the technology represents a major step forward for digital entertainment and creator autonomy. Critics, however, claim the app’s design opens the door to unauthorized likeness replication, deepfake misuse, and manipulation of public figures’ images without sufficient oversight.

Worthy, who promoted the platform through social media and influencer-style content, quickly found himself at the center of online backlash. Many users questioned why a public figure associated with youth entertainment would align himself with a technology that critics fear could normalize invasive or exploitative uses of AI-generated imagery. Conversations on X, TikTok and Reddit intensified as more details about the app’s functionality circulated.

The controversy escalated as users shared concerns over whether 2Wai adequately protects minors from having their likenesses replicated without permission. The platform’s defenders insisted that the app includes safeguards and requires verification for high-fidelity models, but skepticism persists—particularly among digital rights advocates and parents.

Worthy has not issued a detailed public response, though his association with 2Wai continues to draw attention as debates over AI ethics gain momentum across entertainment, tech and legislative circles.