Culture 4 min read By Lauren Baxter
Robin Williams' Daughter Calls for Fans Creating AI Videos of the Actor to 'Have Some Shame'
Zelda Williams is calling for fans to stop circulating AI-generated videos of her late father, Robin Williams, nearly a year after she last took to social media to ask them not to send her augmented content featuring the actor.
Zelda Williams is calling for fans to stop circulating AI-generated videos of her late father, Robin Williams, nearly a year after she last took to social media to ask them not to send her augmented content featuring the actor.
In a statement posted to X on Monday, the «Lisa Frankenstein» director wrote that a «supposedly» fan had sent her a video of her father created with artificial intelligence. «Have some shame,» she wrote. «Leave him out of your delusional bulls—.»
Zelda Williams has been outspoken about the use of AI to recreate her father, who died in 2014. In 2025, she posted a similar request on social media, asking fans to stop sending her AI-generated videos of Robin Williams. At the time, she said the videos were «disturbing» and «not something I want to see.»
The actor and comedian, known for films such as «Good Will Hunting,» «Dead Poets Society,» «Mrs. Doubtfire,» and «Aladdin,» died by suicide in 2014 at the age of 63. He had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a condition his widow, Susan Schneider Williams, later said had affected his behavior and mental state in his final months.
The rise of generative AI tools has made it increasingly easy for users to create realistic videos, images, and audio of deceased celebrities without consent from their families. The practice has sparked ethical and legal debates about likeness rights, posthumous publicity, and the emotional toll on surviving relatives.
Zelda Williams' statement is the latest in a growing number of public objections from the families of late stars. In recent years, the estates of actors, musicians, and other public figures have pushed back against unauthorized AI recreations, arguing that they violate the wishes of the deceased and exploit their legacy for entertainment or profit.
Robin Williams was known for his improvisational comedy and dramatic range, earning an Academy Award for his supporting role in «Good Will Hunting.» He was also a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, with a career that spanned stand-up, television, and film. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues around the world.
Zelda Williams, one of the actor's three children, has since built a career as a director and writer. Her film «Lisa Frankenstein» was released in 2024. She has used her platform to speak about grief, mental health, and the importance of protecting her father's memory.
The use of AI to generate content featuring celebrities has become a flashpoint in Hollywood and beyond. Actors' unions and advocacy groups have called for stronger regulations and consent requirements, while some technologists argue that such tools are protected under free expression. The debate remains unresolved, but for families like the Williams', the issue is deeply personal.
Zelda Williams did not specify what the AI video depicted or who sent it. Her message was brief and direct, echoing her previous appeals. «Leave him out of your delusional bulls—,» she wrote, making clear that her position has not changed.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation and the rights of individuals and their families. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, the line between tribute and exploitation continues to blur, leaving grieving relatives to navigate a landscape they never anticipated.
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