The Osbourne family has been left reeling after discovering a disturbing AI-generated deepfake advertisement falsely featuring rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. The manipulated clip, which circulated online, appeared to show the Black Sabbath frontman endorsing a political campaign – something his representatives confirm he never agreed to.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife and longtime manager, expressed her fury over the "disgusting" misuse of her husband's image. "We are absolutely sickened by this," she stated. "It's a complete violation and shows how dangerous this technology can be."
The Rise of AI Misuse in Celebrity Culture
This incident highlights growing concerns about AI's potential for misuse in the entertainment industry. Deepfake technology, which can create highly realistic but entirely fabricated videos, has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years.
Celebrities like Ozzy Osbourne are particularly vulnerable targets for such manipulation due to their recognisable faces and public profiles. The Osbourne family's legal team is currently exploring options to have the fake advertisement removed and prevent further distribution.
A Warning to Fans and the Public
The family has urged fans to be vigilant about content they see online featuring Ozzy. "If it seems out of character or you can't verify it through official channels, it's probably fake," a spokesperson warned.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ethical challenges posed by advancing AI technology and the need for stronger regulations to protect individuals from digital impersonation.
