Will Smith AI-generated crowd video sparks debate over AI in music

Will Smith is facing allegations that a promotional video from his Based on a True Story tour uses artificial intelligence to generate crowd imagery, fueling a larger debate about the role of AI in music and live entertainment. The clip, posted to social media ahead of a UK leg of the tour, shows elated fans and signs but has prompted criticism from viewers who say some audience members appear distorted or unreal. There has been no public confirmation from Smith or his representatives about the use of AI in the footage, and some observers note the broader complexities surrounding AI-driven video processing on platforms like YouTube.

The focus of the controversy centers on a video posted to social media in which Smith performs and wanders the barricade while crowds cheer and hold signs. In some frames, audience faces look blurred or distorted, and several shots appear to exaggerate physical features, such as hands and fingers. One sign reads “You Can Make It helped me survive cancer. THX Will,” with knuckles and other elements notably blurred or merged into the surrounding image. The accompanying caption reads: “My favourite part of tour is seeing you all up close. Thank you for...