Will Smith Faces AI Controversy During UK Tour Performance

UPDATE: Will Smith is at the center of a growing controversy after being accused of using generative AI during a recent performance in Scarborough, UK. The incident occurred as part of his ongoing Based on a True Story tour, where a now-deleted video showcased what many fans described as bizarre crowd reactions.

The footage sparked outrage online, showing audience members with distorted faces and awkward hand movements while holding signs. Viewers quickly voiced their concerns, questioning the authenticity of the crowd’s reactions. Comments flooded social media, with one user stating, “No one is gonna talk about the AI crowd?” Another quipped, “Bro has AI fans,” while others remarked on the unsettling nature of the footage.

Despite posting real photos of the crowd from the performance, the backlash has not subsided. Fans remain skeptical, and the incident has ignited a broader discussion about the use of AI in live performances.

Smith is slated to continue his tour with three more shows, including a stop in Stretford on October 25, 2023, followed by performances at the O2 Academy Brixton in London and finally in Wolverhampton before heading to Paris for a show at Zenith. The controversy surrounding the video may overshadow these upcoming events as fans weigh their support against the ethical implications of AI technology in the music industry.

The conversation around AI in performances is not unique to Smith. Renowned musician Rod Stewart also faced backlash for using AI in a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away earlier this year. During Stewart’s rendition of “Forever Young,” an AI-generated video depicted a digital Osbourne taking selfies with other late music icons—an act many fans found “disgusting” and “creepy.”

One user expressed their outrage, stating, “So Rod Stewart has been on tour dedicating Forever Young to Ozzy… and now he’s showing the AI generated video of him in heaven taking selfies with all these dead artists… I’ve seen some sh***y AI visuals in concerts but this is a new low.”

As the debate over AI’s role in live music intensifies, fans are left questioning the authenticity of their favorite artists. The implications for the music industry are profound, as performers navigate the fine line between innovation and the genuine human connection that live performances are meant to convey.

This evolving story will continue to develop as Smith’s tour progresses and as more artists grapple with the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence in their performances. Fans are urged to stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.