Examining the Utilization of AI in Recreating the Revered Vocal Tones of Robin Williams, an Enigmatic Performer: An Assessment by His Daughter Suggests Exasperation

Zelda Williams, the daughter of Robin Williams, recently criticized the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that recreates the voices of her late father and other actors without their consent. This report from Deadline, an entertainment news outlet, states that Zelda used Instagram Stories to express her support for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in their fight against AI technology being used to recreate her father’s voice.

In her Instagram Stories, Zelda not only voiced her opposition to SAG’s stance on AI but also provided a lengthy critique. She pointed out that many people are interested in training these AI models to recreate or replicate actors who have passed away, without considering the ethical ramifications or seeking permission from their families. Zelda experienced firsthand the discomfort caused by AI using her father’s voice, but she believes that living actors should be given more opportunities. She also likened the use of AI in this manner to creating a Frankenstein’s monster, combining the worst aspects of the industry.

Robin Williams tragically took his own life in 2014 at the age of 63, after battling depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease. An autopsy revealed that he also suffered from dementia. The image of Robin Williams as the android yearning to become human in the film “Bicentennial Man” comes to mind.

Currently, there are no effective safeguards against the use of AI. This technology can recreate the likeness of actors without their consent or compensation, which is a major concern for labor unions representing writers and actors. They are seeking regulations to govern the use of AI.

Just last week, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) ended a five-month-long strike after reaching a new agreement with the film studio, specifically addressing AI-related issues.

TLDR: Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, criticized the unauthorized use of AI to recreate her father’s voice and other actors. She raised concerns about the lack of consent and compensation for actors and called for regulations to govern AI use. The Writers Guild of America recently resolved a strike, including provisions on AI.