AI Deepfake Ad Featuring Mark Zuckerberg And Drake In ‘F Kanye’ T-Shirts Goes Viral

Forbes - Feb 11th, 2025

A viral deepfake ad featuring notable figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Adam Sandler, and Drake wearing a provocative T-shirt aimed at Kanye West has stirred significant attention on social media. The video, which is not real, includes deepfake versions of several celebrities of Jewish descent, all donning a T-shirt with a middle finger graphic and a Star of David, while a rendition of 'Hava Nagila' plays in the background. The ad's slogan, 'Enough is Enough,' adds to the controversy, especially since it surfaces amidst Shopify's decision to shut down Kanye West's Yeezy site after he promoted a swastika T-shirt. At the time of writing, the video has garnered over 16,000 likes and more than 875,000 views on X, highlighting the widespread reach and impact of such deepfakes.

The rise of deepfakes raises ethical concerns, particularly around consent and misinformation. While not all deepfake uses are malicious, as seen with French President Emmanuel Macron's AI video for the AI Action Summit, many have exploitative implications. Scarlett Johansson, who appears in the controversial ad, was previously involved in a deepfake scandal when OpenAI used a voice for ChatGPT similar to hers without her consent. The proliferation of nonconsensual AI-generated images, such as those of Taylor Swift, has prompted legislative action to ban the distribution of such content. Talent agencies are increasingly hiring firms to remove unauthorized AI-generated likenesses of celebrities, reflecting the growing need for legal and technological measures to combat this issue.

Social Media Antisemitism Deepfake Shopify Ai Ethics Mark Zuckerberg Scarlett Johansson Kanye West

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RATING

5.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article addresses a timely and relevant topic by exploring the rise of deepfake technology and its implications for misinformation and public perception. It engages readers with its focus on high-profile celebrities and controversial figures, which adds to its public interest and potential for sparking discussion. However, the lack of direct evidence, authoritative sources, and transparency about the information's methodology weakens its overall credibility and impact. While the article is well-written and accessible, its occasional sensationalism and imbalance in perspective representation could detract from its effectiveness. Overall, the piece successfully highlights the importance of addressing deepfake technology while needing more substantiation to strengthen its claims and influence.

Accuracy

The article presents a series of claims about a deepfake video featuring several celebrities, including Mark Zuckerberg, Adam Sandler, and Drake, wearing T-shirts with a controversial message. While the piece accurately highlights the growing phenomenon of deepfakes and their potential for misinformation, it lacks direct evidence or links to the video in question. For instance, the claim that the ad amassed over 16,000 likes and 875,000 views on X would require verification through the platform itself. Additionally, the article mentions previous controversies involving Scarlett Johansson and AI-generated content, which aligns with known events, but again, lacks direct source citations or evidence within the text.

Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the negative aspects of deepfakes and their potential for misinformation, particularly in the context of celebrity involvement. While it briefly mentions a non-nefarious use of deepfakes by French President Emmanuel Macron, this perspective is not explored in depth. The piece could benefit from a more balanced view that includes potential positive applications of AI technology. Furthermore, the narrative seems to lean towards sensationalism, especially with references to Kanye West's controversial actions, without offering a broader context or counterarguments.

Clarity

The article is written in a clear and engaging style, with a structure that guides the reader through the various claims and points of discussion. However, the lack of direct evidence or sources can lead to confusion about the veracity of the claims. The language is accessible, and the tone maintains a level of neutrality, though it occasionally veers into sensationalism, particularly when discussing Kanye West's actions.

Source quality

The article does not provide specific sources or direct quotes from individuals involved in the events described, such as the celebrities allegedly featured in the deepfake ad or representatives from platforms like Shopify. The lack of authoritative sources or direct attribution weakens the overall credibility of the piece. While it references known events and controversies, the absence of verifiable sources or links to the content discussed leaves much of the information unsubstantiated.

Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the methodology used to verify the claims about the deepfake video or the involvement of the listed celebrities. There is a lack of transparency regarding how the information was obtained, which could impact the reader's ability to assess the impartiality and reliability of the content. Additionally, the article does not mention any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting.