The deployment of AI-generated deepfake videos for the purpose of marketing has incited indignation among public figures and celebrities, prompting apprehension regarding deceptive advertising and unethical conduct in the online domain.
Leasing US influencer Wesley “Billion Dollar” Virgin’s so-called “Genie Script” has been subjected to censure for its dubious maneuvers, which entail the manipulation of celebrity images to endorse his manifestation course. Celebrities such as Piers Morgan, Nigella Lawson, Oprah Winfrey, and Kevin O’Leary have been targeted by these deepfake advertisements, in which their appearances and voices were utilized to advocate the controversial self-help course.
The videos, utilized to entice potential buyers, assert that the Genie Script, purportedly a “missing” Hebrew Bible scripture, has the purported ability to dramatically alter one’s life and result in considerable wealth, healing, and romance. Nevertheless, these deceitful advertisements have been the subject of widespread disapproval for their employment of contrived endorsements and misleading information.
Renowned TV chef Nigella Lawson was presented in one of the deepfake adverts, in which a manipulated AI-generated voice was employed to create the impression that she was attributing her success to Wesley Virgin’s guidance. Similarly, Piers Morgan’s likeness was utilized in an advertisement, in which his appearance and voice were manipulated to fabricate the illusion of his endorsement of the manifestation course.
In response to these deepfake advertisements, the actual Piers Morgan expressed apprehension regarding the phenomenon of public figures being exploited for financial gain through AI manipulation. He underscored the potential harm to unsuspecting consumers who might be deceived into purchasing products on the basis of falsified endorsements.
The controversial advertisements have also expanded to social media platforms, with an AI-generated deepfake video of Oprah Winfrey endorsing the Genie Script discovered on Meta’s Facebook and Instagram. Both Oprah Winfrey and her spokesperson have disclaimed any association with Wesley Virgin’s product, underscoring the fraudulent nature of the deepfake advertisements and the misuse of AI technology to fabricate false endorsements.
Significantly, these deepfake advertisements have engendered queries about the use of manipulated media and the challenges associated with identifying fabricated content in the digital sphere. Prof Hany Farid, a digital forensics expert, highlighted the escalating difficulty of detecting such deepfakes as the technology progresses at an alarming pace.
Moreover, the advertisement of the Genie Script has been linked to contentious assertions regarding the history of a “missing” page from the Bible, supposedly connected to the financial accomplishment and prosperity of the affluent. These claims have been refuted by Prof Nathan McDonald, a theology academic, who elucidated the historical inaccuracies and religious implications associated with the manifestation course.
Notwithstanding the removal of the contentious adverts from YouTube and the disavowal of the sales platform Digistore24 from Wesley Virgin, the influencer persists in promoting his products and mentoring online volunteers. His relentless efforts to market the Genie Script and his pledges of financial success have elicited censure from public figures and engendered ethical concerns about the practices within the self-help and manifestation industry.
In conclusion, the proliferation of deepfake advertisements involving celebrities and public figures has elicited substantial ethical and moral queries about the use of AI technology for deceptive marketing practices. The exploitation of celebrity likenesses and contrived endorsements has precipitated widespread censure and calls for enhanced vigilance in combatting the dissemination of manipulated media in the online sphere.
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