(TC) Zelda Williams slams ‘disturbing’ use of AI to recreate Robin Williams
Robin Williams’ daughter, Zelda Williams, is slamming the use of artificial intelligence to recreate her late dad.
“I am not an impartial voice in SAG’s fight against AI,” Zelda, 34, wrote via her Instagram Story on Sunday. “I’ve witnessed for YEARS how many people want to train these models to create/recreate actors who cannot consent, like Dad.”
She added: “This isn’t theoretical, it is very very real.”
“I’ve already heard AI used to get his ‘voice’ to say whatever people want and while I find it personally disturbing, the ramifications go far beyond my own feelings,” she went on. “Living actors deserve a chance to create characters with their choices, to voice cartoons, to put their HUMAN effort and time into the pursuit of performance.”
Williams died by suicide at age 62 on Aug. 11, 2014, after battling anxiety, depression and Parkinson’s disease. His autopsy revealed he had Lewy Body Dementia.
Robin Williams and his family.WireImage
Robin Williams in 1989’s ‘Dead Poets Society.’Getty Images
Robin Williams in 1993’s ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’Getty Images
AI has been a hot topic in Hollywood amid the writers’ strike, which officially ended last month. (The actors in SAG -AFTRA – who have been on strike since July – are still currently on strike.)
Writers were able to gain protections against AI in the new contract. “AI can’t write or rewrite literary material,” the contact reads. Additionally, if a company uses a writer’s material to train AI models, the WGA can deem that to be prohibited. Companies must inform writers if material was written by AI, and writers can’t be forced by employers to use it.
Last month, Sean Penn was one of many actors to speak out about studios’ alleged interest in using AI to exploit Screen Actors Guild members’ voices and faces for future projects.
Zelda and Robin Williams.PictureLux / Splash News
Zelda Williams.WireImage
Zelda Williams’ Instagram Story.Zelda Williams / Instagram
“So you want my scans and voice data and all that. OK, here’s what I think is fair: I want your daughter’s, because I want to create a virtual replica of her and invite my friends over to do whatever we want in a virtual party right now,” Penn told Variety at the time. “Would you please look at the camera and tell me you think that’s cool?”
In July, Bryan Cranston called out Disney CEO Bob Iger, who previously called actors’ strike activity “disturbing.”
“I know, sir, that you look (at) things through a different lens. We don’t expect you to understand who we are. But we ask you to hear us, and beyond that to listen to us when we tell you we will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots,” the “Breaking Bad” alum said during a rally. “We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living. And lastly, and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity.”
