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Will Smith is facing backlash after fans accused him of using AI-generated footage in a recent Instagram post promoting his Based On A True Story Tour.
The video, shared on Aug. 12, shows Smith performing his motivational anthem “You Can Make It” in front of what appears to be a massive, adoring crowd, complete with waving signs and fans singing along.
In the clip, Smith is seen walking along the stage, eventually climbing a barricade as the camera pans to dozens of cheering concertgoers.
Wagner Meier/Getty Images
Many fans are holding signs, some featuring personal messages and tributes about how the star’s music and story have impacted their lives. Alongside the video, Smith captioned, “My favorite part of tour is seeing you all up close.”
However, viewers were quick to question the authenticity of the crowd, pointing out unnatural elements like extra fingers, distorted faces, and inconsistent hand shapes — hallmarks of generative AI content.
One skeptical user wrote, “Imagine using AI and generating a sign about Cancer. This is absolute [clown] behavior.” Another added, “An AI crowd being posted on the official page is maaaad embarrassing.”
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
A third fan quipped, “Fresh Prince of A.I. – The Bounce Back. This is awful,” while another chimed in,
“This use of AI is INSANE and downright sad.”
While the criticism mounted, others offered a more forgiving interpretation, suggesting the visual distortions could be the result of upscaling lower-resolution footage, rather than artificial generation.
Smith did not specify which show the footage came from, but it likely originates from one of his recent European stops — either Smukfest in Denmark on Aug. 7 or Dreambeach Festival in Almería, Spain on Aug. 9. As of now, Smith has not publicly addressed the accusations.
The renowned actor and rapper is currently nearing the end of the UK stretch of his tour, with upcoming shows in Manchester (Aug. 27), London (Aug. 28), Wolverhampton (Aug. 30), and Paris (Sept. 2).
See Will Smith’s controversial Instagram post below.
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