British Labour MP Jess Asato is suing xAI over sexually explicit AI-generated images created by its image generator, Grok. This lawsuit marks a significant test of whether AI companies can be legally responsible for content generated by users of their technology in the UK.
According to The Financial Times, Grok users began sharing images of Asato in January, coinciding with reports that the AI assistant had been used to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Asato claims that users prompted Grok to generate images depicting her in a bikini, as well as an explicit video showing her being chloroformed and prepared for sexual assault. Users further reshared and discussed these AI-generated images on X, the social platform owned by xAI.
Asato announced her High Court claim against xAI on June 3, 2026, stating she represents thousands of victims of abusive and sexualized AI deepfakes. She argues that xAI must be held accountable for violations of laws regarding the misuse of private information and data protection. Asato is seeking financial damages along with an order for xAI to comply with UK law to better protect individual rights.
Today, I’m launching a High Court claim against xAI, the company behind Grok.
I am just one of thousands of women and even children who have been the victim of abusive and sexualised AI deepfakes.
This should never have happened – and xAI must be held accountable. https://t.co/Oc9XlxHQO6
— Jess Asato MP (@Jess4Lowestoft) June 3, 2026
xAI asserted that it implemented limits on Grok’s capability to produce sexually explicit images in January, but users found these limits relatively easy to bypass. The inappropriate use of Grok has drawn significant criticism and raised concerns about nonconsensual deepfakes.
Currently, xAI and X are under investigation by regulators in the EU, UK, and California. In addition to Asato’s lawsuit, xAI faces legal challenges from the city of Baltimore, a group of teenagers, and Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk’s children. While SpaceX, the owner of both xAI and X, attempts to go public, it remains uncertain whether the ongoing controversies will impact Musk’s initial public offering.
