OpenAI has paused its AI video generator Sora from producing depictions of Martin Luther King Jr. after reports of “disrespectful” portrayals prompted intervention from the civil rights leader’s estate.
OpenAI on Thursday announced it has suspended the ability of its AI tool, Sora, to generate videos depicting Martin Luther King Jr., following requests from the late civil rights leader’s estate over “disrespectful depictions” circulating online.
In a statement posted on social media, the company confirmed that some users had created “disrespectful depictions of Dr. King’s image,” prompting it to pause such generations while collaborating with King’s estate. OpenAI said it was reinforcing “guardrails for historical figures” to prevent similar misuse, though it did not confirm if future depictions would be reinstated under stricter guidelines.
The company emphasized that it supports “strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures,” but acknowledged that “public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used.”
Bernice King, the activist’s daughter, had earlier urged people to stop sharing AI-generated videos of her father, echoing concerns expressed by other families of deceased celebrities. The controversy adds to growing ethical debates about generative AI, as reports revealed offensive depictions of other late public figures, including Malcolm X and Kobe Bryant, created using Sora.