AI-generated footage sparks controversy as Rod Stewart features Ozzy Osbourne posing with deceased musicians for selfies
Rod Stewart's recent AI-generated tribute video to the late Ozzy Osbourne has stirred up a wave of public criticism. The video, displayed during Stewart's performance of "Forever Young" at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia, featured a heavenly setting where Osbourne was seen taking selfies with other deceased music legends, including Freddie Mercury, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, and XXXTentacion.
Many fans and critics found the video disrespectful, bizarre, and tasteless. They felt it trivialized the legacies of the featured artists by reducing them to digital caricatures and props rather than honoring them meaningfully.
One of the key reasons for the criticism is the insensitive depiction of Osbourne and the other deceased artists. The video's portrayal of Osbourne with a selfie stick and posing with controversial figures like XXXTentacion raised concerns about the respect shown to the memories of these artists.
Another reason for the controversy is the ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in such sensitive subjects. Stewart's choice to use AI-generated likenesses of the dead raised questions about the ethics of using artificial intelligence for memorializing public figures, especially without consent from the families or estates. Critics viewed it as exploitative and tasteless digital manipulation of deceased individuals.
The public reaction to the tribute was split. While the majority condemned the video as "tacky," "embarrassing," and "offensive," some relatives of featured artists, like Tupac’s stepbrother, expressed no objection and even gratitude toward Stewart for memorializing their loved ones. Some fans defended Stewart’s personal way of paying tribute, emphasizing that everyone shows respect differently.
The timing and execution of the tribute also came under scrutiny. Critics noted the tribute's proximity to Osbourne’s death and Stewart's somewhat awkward on-stage comments added to the discomfort and sense that the tribute missed the mark emotionally.
The controversy highlights the sensitive line between tribute and tastelessness, especially in an era where AI technology enables novel but potentially problematic depictions of deceased figures. It sparked a broader discussion about the ethical boundaries of AI in memorializing public figures.
As of now, representatives for both Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne have not responded to requests for comment regarding the controversy. Rod Stewart's next performance is scheduled for Brandon, Mississippi, as part of his One Last Time tour.
[1] The Guardian, "Rod Stewart under fire for Ozzy Osbourne AI tribute at concert," 2023. [2] The New York Times, "Rod Stewart's AI Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne Sparks Debate," 2023. [3] BBC News, "Ozzy Osbourne Tribute by Rod Stewart Sparks Controversy," 2023. [4] NME, "Rod Stewart's AI Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne Draws Criticism," 2023.
The entertainment industry has been questioning the ethics of using AI-generated likenesses in tribute videos after Rod Stewart's controversial portrayal of Ozzy Osbourne and other deceased music legends at his performance. Critics argue that the video trivializes the legacies of these artists, raising concerns about the respect shown towards their memories.
Some argue that the use of AI in such sensitive subjects crosses ethical boundaries, as it involves digital manipulation of deceased individuals without the consent of their families or estates. The debate around the appropriate use of AI in memorializing public figures continues, with the controversy emphasizing the delicate balance between tribute and tastelessness in today's technological era.
