In a surprising turn of events in the entertainment industry, Will Smith is facing criticism for supposedly using artificial intelligence (AI) to fill his audience in a new promotional video for his “Based on a True Story” tour. The video, posted last week on Instagram, shows Smith performing his song “You Can Make It,” which he has said is very personal and has given him strength during his battle with cancer. While Smith’s performance is full of energy, the real buzz online has been about the crowd in the video. At first glance, it looks like a lively audience enjoying the show, holding up supportive signs.
However, upon closer inspection, some viewers noticed that the hands and faces of some people in the crowd appear strangely blended with the signs they are holding. One sign says, “‘You Can Make It’ helped me survive cancer. Thanks, Will,” but the hand holding it looks oddly merged with the poster, raising questions about whether those audience members were created using AI. Other oddities in the crowd have only sparked more debate. Reactions on social media were quick. Many fans commented on their observations, with one user saying, “Why are there AI people in the crowd?
That’s embarrassing,” expressing discomfort about what they noticed. Another added, “That part about ‘From West Philly’ looks clearly AI-made… just pause and look at the crowd.” However, not everyone was critical. Some supporters cheered for Smith’s positive impact, with one user writing, “You already changed my life, @willsmith, and immediately I’m excited to inspire many others with you on stage. More love, joy, and energy to the world!” This controversy arises at a time when the entertainment world is grappling with the balance between utilizing technology and maintaining authenticity.
While some view the use of AI in promotional content as innovative, others believe it could damage the trust between performers and their audiences. For immediately, Smith hasn’t publicly responded to the allegations, leaving fans and critics to debate whether this was a smart marketing strategy or a misstep in how technology should be used. Regardless, this situation highlights the growing interest surrounding AI in live entertainment, making Smith’s new video a perfect example of the challenges that modern artists face when blending creativity with technology.
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