The Darkness' Justin Hawkins responds to AI deepfake of him appearing in viral Downing Street…

The Darkness' frontman Justin Hawkins found himself at the center of a deepfake controversy when AI-generated content placed him in a viral meme related to UK politics. The meme depicted a younger, spandex-clad Hawkins outside 10 Downing Street amidst Labour's leadership issues.

What happened

The deepfake video featured Hawkins, seemingly singing about the political situation, alongside figures like Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Other deepfakes in the AI post included Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, and Ed Miliband. Hawkins addressed the situation in a YouTube video, expressing his disapproval and stating that he had not given permission for his likeness to be used. He raised concerns about the ethics and legality of using deepfake technology without consent, noting that while it wasn't explicitly illegal in the UK, its use without permission was unacceptable. Hawkins also touched on broader implications of AI in music and art, referencing the Artist Rights Alliance's efforts to protect artistic rights and his belief that AI-generated content lacks the human element necessary to create meaningful art.