OpenAI has paused Sora’s ability to generate videos of Martin Luther King Jr. after backlash over racist deepfakes and criticism from the King family.
OpenAI has suspended users’ ability to create videos featuring Martin Luther King Jr. on its Sora AI video platform after offensive deepfakes of the civil rights leader circulated widely.
The Washington Post reported that some videos showed King “making monkey noises” during his “I Have a Dream” speech and wrestling Malcolm X. Popular YouTuber Hank Green also criticized Sora 2 for enabling such content. Dr. Bernice King urged users to “please stop” creating fake recreations of her father, echoing Zelda Williams’ similar plea over AI misuse. OpenAI said the pause was immediate, amid growing concern that deepfakes of public figures remain a persistent problem.
Open AI is reportedly banning Martin Luther King Jr. Sora-generated Videos after supposed ‘Disrespectful Depictions’😬 pic.twitter.com/Xiky8EiIPg
— Raphouse TV (RHTV) (@raphousetv7) October 18, 2025
Statement from OpenAI and King Estate, Inc.
The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc. (King, Inc.) and OpenAI have worked together to address how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s likeness is represented in Sora generations. Some users generated disrespectful depictions of Dr. King’s image. So at King, Inc.’s request, OpenAI has paused generations depicting Dr. King as it strengthens guardrails for historical figures.
While there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures, OpenAI believes public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used. Authorized representatives or estate owners can request that their likeness not be used in Sora cameos.
OpenAI thanks Dr. Bernice A. King for reaching out on behalf of King, Inc., and John Hope Bryant and the AI Ethics Council for creating space for conversations like this.