OpenAI has temporarily banned users from generating videos of Martin Luther King Jr. on its AI video tool, Sora, after the civil rights leader’s family raised objections to what they called “disrespectful depictions.”
The company said the decision aims to respect the wishes of families and estates of public figures.
In a statement posted on X, OpenAI said it values free expression but believes “public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used.”
Statement from OpenAI and King Estate, Inc.
— OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) October 17, 2025
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.…
The policy change comes after Sora 2’s release, which allows users to create lifelike videos featuring historical or real individuals.
The move follows mounting criticism that such AI tools fuel misinformation and exploit the likenesses of deceased figures.
OpenAI also thanked Dr. Bernice A. King, John Hope Bryant, and the AI Ethics Council for raising concerns and helping guide discussions about responsible AI use.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
