Zelda Williams condemns AI deepfakes of Robin Williams

Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, has issued a strong condemnation of AI-generated videos that falsely depict her father discussing conspiracy theories. In statements shared on social media platforms including X and Instagram, she identified a circulating “supposedly ‘private video’” as a low-quality deepfake, describing the audio as “robotic and terrible.”

Williams criticized the creators of such content, urging them to “leave him out of your delusional [bullshit] and let him rest.” She argued that using the likeness and voice of a deceased individual who cannot provide consent is unethical and disrespectful to his legacy. She further challenged those who believe the footage is genuine, suggesting they lack familiarity with her father’s actual speech patterns.

This incident follows a pattern of AI-related concerns for the family. In recent months, Zelda and her siblings, Zak and Cody, reactivated Robin Williams’ Instagram account to serve as a “safe, trusted place” for authentic memories and to combat the “rampant AI abuse” of his image and voice. Zelda has previously spoken out against the use of AI to recreate actors during the SAG-AFTRA strike, emphasizing the importance of digital autonomy and consent.