Will Smith is facing accusations of using artificial intelligence to generate images of fans in a promotional video for his current tour. The rapper and actor shared the clip on Instagram, showcasing highlights from his 'Based On A True Story' tour ahead of its UK leg.
The video features packed crowds, with fans holding signs and cheering. However, viewers noticed several anomalies, including audience members with blurred or distorted faces, oddly shaped hands, and extra fingers. One shot shows a man gripping a sign with blurred knuckles, while a woman's wrist appears merged with another's headband.
Critics on Reddit described the footage as 'pathetic' and suggested it was a case of image upscaling gone wrong. The controversy comes amid growing concerns over AI in the music industry, with a recent study warning that musicians could lose a quarter of their income to AI within four years.
Deezer reported that around 10,000 AI-generated tracks are uploaded daily, making up 10 per cent of its music uploads. Meanwhile, artists including Elton John, Coldplay, and Dua Lipa have called on the UK government to reform copyright laws to address the AI threat.
Smith's tour continues in Cardiff tonight, with further dates in London and Wolverhampton. The actor has not yet commented on the allegations.
