OpenAI
Presses Pause on MLK Jr. Sora Videos
… Prompted by ‘Disrespectful Depictions’
Published October 17, 2025 6:45 AM PDT
OpenAI is putting the kibosh on Sora users’ ability to generate videos featuring Martin Luther King Jr. … after his daughter, Bernice King, made the request following “disrespectful depictions” of her late father.
In a joint statement with the King Estate … OpenAI says it’s pausing A.I.-generated depictions of the civil-rights icon as the company “strenghthens guardrails for historical figures.”
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The company acknowledges there are strong free-speech interests in depicting historical figures, but says public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used.
Moving forward … OpenAI says authorized representatives or estate owners can request their likeness not be used in Sora cameos.
If you’re unfamiliar … Sora is an app that allows users to create high-definition videos based on simple texts and prompts — including ones that feature real living people and historical figures.
People are already taking issue with their loved ones being featured in A.I. videos … including Robin Williams’ daughter, Zelda, who’s publicly objected to fans sending her A.I.-generated clips of her late father.
OpenAI appears well aware of the backlash and the problems it can cause … and seems ready to make a change.
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