In a move that underscores the growing ethical tensions surrounding artificial intelligence, OpenAI has agreed to block users from generating videos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. using its new Sora AI video tool, at the direct request of the civil rights icon’s estate.
The decision, announced in a joint statement Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, comes amid backlash over offensive and vulgar AI-created portrayals of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, whose legacy is deeply intertwined with Atlanta’s history.
The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc. (King, Inc.), based in Atlanta, collaborated with OpenAI to implement safeguards ensuring Dr. King’s likeness is “treated with the respect it deserves.”
OpenAI Stops Use of MLK Image After ‘Disrespectful’ Videos
“Some users generated disrespectful depictions of Dr. King’s image,” the statement read, highlighting videos that included the civil rights leader making monkey noises, wrestling with Malcolm X, or even shilling for fast-food chains like Burger King
Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center in Atlanta and the youngest daughter of Dr. King, publicly urged Sora users to “please stop” sharing such content on social media earlier this week.
OpenAI, the San Francisco-based company behind ChatGPT and valued at $500 billion, launched Sora 2 — its advanced text-to-video generation model — just weeks ago.
The tool allows users to create hyper-realistic videos from simple prompts, sparking both excitement and alarm over potential misuse. While the company emphasized “strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures,” it affirmed that “public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used.”
Going forward, authorized estate representatives can request opt-outs for cameo appearances in Sora videos, with OpenAI committing to strengthen guardrails for other historical icons.
This agreement arrives as Atlanta’s civil rights landmarks, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and The King Center, continue to draw millions of visitors annually, preserving Dr. King’s message of nonviolence and equality.
Local leaders hailed the pause as a vital step in protecting cultural icons from AI exploitation. “Dr. King’s voice and image are not just intellectual property — they are the heartbeat of our city’s soul,” said Rev. Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator from Georgia, in a statement to Atlanta Local News. “This collaboration sets a precedent for respecting legacies that shaped our nation.”
The controversy has ignited broader debates on AI ethics, particularly in the entertainment industry. Hollywood studios like Disney have raised alarms about Sora’s training on copyrighted material without consent, relying on “fair use” defenses that remain untested in court
Intellectual property experts note that while lawsuits have targeted smaller AI firms, OpenAI has yet to face major litigation.
“This is OpenAI’s ‘asking forgiveness, not permission’ approach in action,” said Kristelia García, a Georgetown Law professor specializing in IP. “But for estates like King’s, it’s a win in an evolving landscape.”
Critics, however, question the policy’s equity. Generative AI expert Henry Ajder pointed out that many deceased figures lack “well-resourced estates” to advocate on their behalf, raising concerns about selective “synthetic resurrection.”
OpenAI thanked Dr. Bernice King, entrepreneur John Hope Bryant, and the AI Ethics Council for facilitating the dialogue, signaling potential for similar arrangements with other estates.
As Atlanta reflects on Dr. King’s enduring impact — from the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached to the streets he marched — this episode highlights the double-edged sword of AI innovation.
While Sora promises creative breakthroughs, it also risks trivializing sacred histories. OpenAI’s swift response offers hope, but experts warn that robust regulations may be needed to prevent future deepfake debacles.
For more on Dr. King’s legacy and ongoing civil rights efforts in Atlanta, visit The King Center at thekingcenter.org. OpenAI users affected by the changes can learn more about Sora’s updated policies on the company’s website.