There have been different responses from the public after a social media user on X shared several AI-generated photos and videos of deceased actors that looked eerie and ghoulish. The video included those of the late Crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, in different places such as forests and with his daughter Bindi Irwin, stirring up controversy among fans.
While some did not see anything wrong with the use of AI to do such things, others expressed their fury about the user hurting the emotions of the relatives of the deceased celebrities in the comments using many hateful words.
Steve Irwin’s AI-generated video with daughter Bindi Irwin angers fans
9. Steve Irwin & Bindi Irwin pic.twitter.com/v7qPINfYFb
— Min Choi (@minchoi) December 15, 2024
The created of the controversial AI-generated picture wrote the caption, “A haunting tribute to the Crocodile Hunter,” below the photo while one of the clips showed Steve Irwin with his daughter Bindi Irwin. This was also considered as insensitive as the wildlife conservationist passed away when Bindi was only 8 and never got to see her as an adult of 26 as shown in the clips.
Some supporters admired the use of Artificial Intelligence to honor Steve Irwin’s legacy, but many others found the images disrespectful and distasteful, saying that Steve Irwin would never endorse such. “Steve was all about spreading positivity and love for wildlife. These pictures don’t reflect who he was,” another user said.
“This feels exploitative. Steve’s legacy is about conservation and kindness, not creepy art,” one concerned fan wrote, while others spoke up about the misuse of AI and stated that its use should be regulated. “Steve inspired millions with his passion for wildlife. Turning him into some ghoulish figure feels wrong and unnecessary,” a critic said.
Grok-2 user responds to those criticizing the video
In a follow-up post from the AI user, he explained that he didn’t mean to upset fans with the AI representation of the late Steve Irwin and his daughter Bindi Irwin.
“I wasn’t trying to offend anyone. Steve Irwin is an icon, and this is just one interpretation of his profound impact on the world,” the user wrote.