LeBron James has taken legal action after disturbing AI-generated videos using his likeness began circulating online. His legal team issued a cease-and-desist letter to FlickUp, the platform behind Interlink AI, after sexually explicit deepfakes involving James and NBA star Stephen Curry gained traction on social media.
The videos, created with the Interlink AI tool hosted on Discord, featured manipulated likenesses of James, Curry, and even music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in sexually perverse and graphic scenarios. These included a prison assault scene and another video depicting an AI-generated pregnant James. Both videos were widely circulated before being taken down.
According to reports from 404 Media and SF Gate, Interlink AI had provided users with detailed instructions on how to create these deepfakes, including uploading AI models explicitly designed to mimic popular NBA figures. The platform’s moderators not only allowed but also encouraged such content, directly participating in its dissemination.
Following the viral spread of the videos, Interlink AI removed realistic celebrity models from its platform, citing legal complications. Jason Stacks, founder of FlickUp, confirmed the company had received a cease-and-desist letter from James’ legal team. He posted a redacted version of the letter on Instagram, acknowledging the growing legal heat over AI deepfake misuse.
This incident marks a pivotal moment in the clash between AI technology and intellectual property law. While deepfakes have existed for years, this appears to be one of the first high-profile cases where a celebrity’s legal team has formally threatened action. The legal pushback could signal tighter boundaries around AI use and potential legislation addressing image rights and privacy violations.
As artificial intelligence advances, misuse through impersonation and sexual exploitation remains a serious concern, particularly when it involves public figures. The case underscores growing calls for stricter regulation over generative AI platforms and accountability for those who produce and distribute harmful deepfakes.
