Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, recently called out how people are misusing artificial intelligence in deeply inappropriate ways. She revealed that strangers on the internet have been sending her AI-generated videos of her father — and she wants it to stop.
Robin Williams’ death in 2014 shocked the world. The actor, known for his warmth, humor, and compassion, took his own life after a long struggle with depression and addiction. Since then, his image has been regarded with great respect and affection, symbolizing both joy and tragedy.
AI Videos of Robin Williams Go Too Far
For years, Robin Williams’ legacy has been treated with reverence. But now, Zelda says she has been receiving disturbing AI-generated videos that recreate her father’s likeness and voice — clips she never wanted to see.
“Please stop sending me AI videos of my dad,” Zelda wrote online. “Stop believing I want to see them or that I’ll find comfort in them. I don’t, and I never will. If you’re just trying to troll me, I’ve seen much worse — I’ll restrict you and move on.”
Her words struck a chord across social media. She went on to emphasize that if people had any decency, they would stop doing this — not only with her father’s image but with that of other deceased artists as well.
“It’s stupid. It’s a waste of time and energy. And believe me, it’s NOT what he would have wanted,” she added. Zelda also criticized the “horrible things people do online just for a like,” calling it senseless and cruel.
She ended her message with a sharp reflection on the way society glorifies artificial intelligence:
“Stop calling AI the future,” she said. “It’s not creating anything new — it’s recycling the past for consumption, and I’m living proof of that through these videos of my dad.”
After Zelda’s statements went viral, many users defended her, expressing outrage and disbelief that anyone would justify sending such videos under the label of “tribute.” Critics pointed out that recreating deceased celebrities without consent is not homage — it’s exploitation that reopens old wounds.
For Zelda, it’s not just about technology — it’s about empathy. And her message has become a painful reminder of how, in the age of AI, humanity sometimes forgets how to feel.
