AI or not, Will Smith's crowd video elicits cringe

Will Smith sparked controversy with a recent video posted on social media during his European tour, where fans were seen cheering him on in large crowds. The video, showcasing fans holding signs expressing their love for Smith, also included a fan claiming his music helped them survive cancer. However, upon closer inspection, viewers noticed digitally altered faces and questionable features in the footage, leading to accusations that the crowd scenes were created using AI technology.

Tech blogger Andy Baio pointed out that Smith had previously shared photos and videos from the tour featuring the same fans and signs, which were not flagged as synthetic. This discrepancy raised suspicions that Smith’s team may have combined real footage with AI-generated elements, adding to the confusion surrounding the video’s authenticity.

Social media backlash ensued, with audiences questioning Smith’s use of AI to enhance his online presence. The timing coincided with YouTube testing a feature to improve video quality, which inadvertently made Smith’s content appear even more artificial on the platform. Despite potential justifications for using AI in social media posts, fans remained skeptical and resistant to such technological manipulation.

The public’s aversion to generative AI technology reflects a broader sentiment of mistrust towards artists who rely on editing tools to enhance their content. Whether it’s autotune in music or Photoshop in photography, fans value authenticity and are quick to feel deceived if artists compromise that integrity. Once trust is broken, rebuilding a loyal fan base becomes a challenging task, even for a celebrity like Will Smith.