Photo Credit: Getty Images
OpenAI has suspended users from generating videos of Martin Luther King Jr. using its AI video tool, Sora, after people created what the company called "disrespectful depictions" of the civil rights leader.
The decision followed a public plea from Dr. King's daughter, Bernice King, who condemned the use of her father's image in inappropriate AI-generated content. In a joint statement with the King Estate, OpenAI said it is "strengthening guardrails for historical figures" to prevent such misuse.
"While there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures, we believe public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used," the company said in a post on X. It added that authorized representatives or estate owners can now request their likeness not be featured in Sora videos.
Sora, launched recently, allows users to create high-definition, AI-generated videos from simple text prompts—including realistic portrayals of public or historical figures. However, the platform quickly drew criticism after users shared crude and offensive depictions of King, including videos reportedly showing him making racist noises or fighting Malcolm X.
Bernice King joined other celebrities' families, such as Zelda Williams—the daughter of late comedian Robin Williams—in urging users to stop generating AI recreations of their loved ones.
The incident has reignited debate over the ethical limits of AI-generated content, deepfakes, and the right to control one's likeness after death. Experts say while OpenAI's decision is a step in the right direction, stricter safeguards should have been in place from the start to avoid what some have called a "trial-and-error" rollout.
OpenAI's move comes amid growing scrutiny of AI's role in spreading misinformation and distorting historical narratives. The company said it will continue refining Sora's content policies and collaborating with public figures and estates to ensure more responsible use of its technology.