Will Smith has reacted to the backlash over his recent AI-generated concert video by posting another AI clip on social media.
The actor and rapper recently completed his tour promoting ‘Based On A True Story’, his first album in two decades, which debuted in March. Last week, a YouTube video featuring highlights from his tour stirred controversy as it appeared to include AI-generated clips. Some shots of emotional audience members raised eyebrows, as they displayed distorted faces and awkwardly shaped hands, leading to viral criticism of Smith for altering attendance visuals with technology.
In response, Smith shared a new AI clip that humorously swaps out human heads for cat heads, poking fun at the critics of the initial video.
While he continues to face scrutiny over photo manipulation, fellow musicians like Green Day have also chimed in. They recently mocked Smith by sharing a video from their concert with the caption: “Don’t need AI for our crowds 😜.”
This controversy comes as discussions about AI’s impact on the music industry intensify. A recent study warns that workers in music may see a 25% loss of income to AI in the next four years. Furthermore, platforms like Deezer report that around 10,000 AI-generated tracks are uploaded daily, which constitutes about 10% of all music submissions.
Notable artists, including Elton John, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa, have called on the UK government to reform copyright laws in light of AI threats to the industry. SZA has also voiced concerns, criticizing AI users for their reliance on technology, while filmmaker James Cameron expressed worries that AI could lead to a scenario reminiscent of his movie The Terminator.
In related news, Smith has lost his director, Michael Bay, for the upcoming film Fast And Loose over creative differences.
