SAG-AFTRA Statement on Taylor Swift and George Carlin Digital Fakes

The sexually explicit, A.I.-generated images depicting Taylor Swift are upsetting, harmful, and deeply concerning. The development and dissemination of fake images — especially those of a lewd nature — without someone’s consent must be made illegal. As a society, we have it in our power to control these technologies, but we must act now before it is too late. SAG-AFTRA continues to support legislation by U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, to make sure we stop exploitation of this nature from happening again. We support Taylor and women everywhere who are the victims of this kind of theft of their privacy and right to autonomy.

Similarly, George Carlin’s legacy was formed out of a lifetime of lived experience and decades of honing his astute observational skills while demonstrating a tireless dedication to the art of comedy. Companies or individuals attempting to replicate an individual’s creative work for profit, publicity or clout are infringing upon intellectual property rights and devaluing the essence of human artistry. We must remember that everything generated by A.I. originates from a human creative source and human creativity must be protected. SAG-AFTRA’s legal team has been working with lawmakers who understand the importance of acting immediately to pass legislation that protects individuals’ voices and likenesses — both in the case of living and deceased performers. Families should not have to see their loved ones exploited for profit. We support the Carlin family, who are pursuing legal action against those using the comic’s work without seeking consent or offering compensation. 

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.