Scarlett Johansson Calls On Legislators To Limit AI After Viral Video Shows Fake Image Of Her Condemning Kanye West

Scarlett Johansson is calling on U.S. legislators to pass laws limiting the use of artificial intelligence, and to make such legislation a “top priority.”

Johansson’s lengthy statement, shared with People magazine, condemns the “misuse” of AI, and calls herself a “very public victim” of the technology. The statement follows the spread of a viral video that uses AI-generated images of Johansson, Drake, Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, Mark Zuckerberg and other Jewish celebrities calling out Kanye West for his antisemitic statements.

The AI Johansson is shown in the video wearing a white T-shirt with the image of a hand flipping the middle finger, the name “Kanye” and a Star of David. The video ends with the words “Enough is Enough” and “Join the Fight Against Antisemitism.” The other celebrities – including Simon & Garfunkel, Woody Allen, Sacha Baron Cohen and others wearing the same T-shirt.

The video’s description on YouTube states that the images are AI-generated.

Johansson’s statement reads:

“It has been brought to my attention by family members and friends, that an A.I.-generated video featuring my likeness, in response to an antisemitic view, has been circulating online and gaining traction. I am a Jewish woman who has no tolerance for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind. But I also firmly believe that the potential for hate speech multiplied by A.I. is a far greater threat than any one person who takes accountability for it. We must call out the misuse of A.I., no matter its messaging, or we risk losing a hold on reality.”

She continues, “I have unfortunately been a very public victim of A.I., but the truth is that the threat of A.I. affects each and every one of us.

“There is a 1000-foot wave coming regarding A.I. that several progressive countries, not including the United States, have responded to in a responsible manner. It is terrifying that the U.S. government is paralyzed when it comes to passing legislation that protects all of its citizens against the imminent dangers of A.I.

“I urge the U.S. government to make the passing of legislation limiting A.I. use a top priority; it is a bipartisan issue that enormously affects the immediate future of humanity at large.”

Johansson’s statement does not name West, who has made headlines with his increasingly toxic statement about Jewish people and identifying himself as a Nazi.

Deadline has reached out to Johansson’s representatives for further comment.