OpenAI has paused the ability for users of its AI model, Sora, to generate videos resembling Martin Luther King Jr. The company announced the safeguard following a request from Dr. King’s estate due to disrespectful depictions of his image.
The action was taken after some users on the social video platform created what were described as “disrespectful depictions” of the late civil rights activist. OpenAI launched Sora just weeks prior, enabling users to create realistic AI-generated videos. The platform allows for the depiction of historical figures, friends, and other users who consent to having their likeness recreated. Its release has prompted a widespread public debate concerning the potential dangers of AI-generated video content and the necessity for platforms to implement effective guardrails around the technology.
In a post from its official newsroom account on X, OpenAI addressed the decision. “While there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures, OpenAI believes public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used,” the company stated. OpenAI also clarified its policy, noting, “Authorized representatives or estate owners can request that their likeness not be used in Sora cameos.”
Statement from OpenAI and King Estate, Inc.
The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc. (King, Inc.) and OpenAI have worked together to address how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s likeness is represented in Sora generations. Some users generated disrespectful depictions of Dr.…
— OpenAI Newsroom (@OpenAINewsroom) October 17, 2025
The company’s restriction followed public statements from the families of prominent figures. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. King, posted on Instagram last week asking individuals to stop sending her AI videos that resembled her father. Her request came after the daughter of Robin Williams made a similar appeal, asking Sora users to cease generating AI videos of her late father.
A report from The Washington Post earlier this week detailed specific instances of AI-generated videos on the platform, including one showing Dr. King making monkey noises and another depicting him wrestling with fellow civil rights leader Malcolm X. The Sora app also features crude videos resembling other historical figures, such as artist Bob Ross, singer Whitney Houston, and former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
The launch of Sora has also introduced questions about how social media platforms should manage AI-generated videos that feature copyrighted material. The application contains numerous videos depicting well-known cartoon characters, including SpongeBob, South Park, and Pokémon.
