## AI Marilyn Monroe Chatbot Debuts at South By Southwest
Remember when Kanye West bought Kim Kardashian a giant talking hologram of her late father for her birthday? That may have seemed like a crazy idea in 2020. But now, just a few years later, AI-powered digital recreations of people — and celebrities — that can match their likeness and voice with eerie accuracy, and rely on machine learning to hold a conversation, could soon be the norm.
### Marilyn Monroe AI Chatbot Wows SXSW Attendees
At the recent South By Southwest festival, attendees got the chance to speak with a hyper-realistic Marilyn Monroe AI chatbot created by Soul Machines. The company described the experience as a “digital person” with all of Monroe’s “wit, wisdom, and undeniable charm” seen in a real-time, personalized interaction.
### Ethical Concerns Surrounding AI Celebrities
While the idea of interacting with AI versions of beloved celebrities may be exciting for fans, critics have raised ethical concerns. Many celebrities do not want their likeness to be used without their consent, and the potential for AI to be used for impersonation scams is a growing concern.
### Meta CEO Predicts Rise of AI Celebrities
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously stated that he believes AI celebrities will become popular in the future. In fact, Meta has already revealed new AI chatbots modeled after celebrities like Tom Brady, Kendall Jenner, and Naomi Osaka.
### Marilyn Monroe AI Chatbot Faces Backlash
The decision to feature Marilyn Monroe specifically in the AI project has sparked criticism from fans and experts who view it as further exploitation of a woman who was already exploited during her career. Some have compared the AI chatbot to a “Frankensteinian monster” that lacks the consent of the deceased celebrity.
### Partnerships with Celebrity Estates
Soul Machines partnered with Authentic Brands Group, which acquired the rights to Marilyn Monroe’s intellectual property in 2018, to create the AI Marilyn. This partnership highlights a growing trend of celebrities working with AI companies to ensure their likeness is used in a brand-safe and ethical manner.
In conclusion, the debut of the Marilyn Monroe AI chatbot at South By Southwest has sparked a conversation about the ethics and implications of using AI to recreate celebrities. While the technology may offer exciting possibilities for fans, it also raises important questions about consent, exploitation, and the future of AI celebrities.