Zelda Williams Slams AI Robin Williams Videos as ‘Disgusting’

October 7, 2025

instruction — Artificial Intelligence (Igor Omilaev/Unsplash)

Zelda Williams, daughter of the late comedian and actor Robin Williams, is calling on fans to stop sending her artificial intelligence–generated videos featuring her father’s likeness. In a passionate message posted to Instagram, Williams said the videos are disturbing and exploitative, and that they violate the legacy of one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers.

“Please, just stop sending me AI videos of Dad,” Williams wrote on Monday. “Stop believing I wanna see it or that I’ll understand — I don’t and I won’t. It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he’d want.”

Williams, who directed Lisa Frankenstein, said she finds it “maddening” that technology is being used to reduce real people into digital imitations. “You’re not making art,” she wrote. “You’re making disgusting, over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings… and then shoving them down someone else’s throat hoping they’ll give you a little thumbs up.”

Her father, Robin Williams — the legendary star of Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting, and Dead Poets Society — died by suicide in 2014 after battling Lewy body dementia, a degenerative brain disease that affects movement and cognition.

Zelda’s message follows a surge of AI-generated celebrity “resurrections” flooding social media, fueled by tools like OpenAI’s new video generator Sora 2. The clips have included fabricated performances from deceased stars such as Michael Jackson and Betty White, prompting growing alarm about the ethical use of AI in entertainment.

Her frustration also comes after actor Matthew Lawrence, who played Williams’s son in Mrs. Doubtfire, said he’d “love” to use AI to recreate Williams’s voice “with the family’s permission.” Zelda’s latest comments suggest that approval is unlikely.

This isn’t her first stand against the misuse of her father’s likeness. During Hollywood’s 2023 actors’ strike, she warned that studios were already experimenting with AI models trained on her father’s voice. “I’ve witnessed for YEARS how many people want to train these models to recreate actors who cannot consent,” she said at the time.

Zelda Williams ended her latest post by condemning AI’s growing dominance in art and media. “AI is just badly recycling and regurgitating the past to be reconsumed,” she wrote. “You are taking in the Human Centipede of content… while the folks at the front laugh and laugh, consume and consume.”

TikTok Caught Pushing Explicit Content to Minors

October 7, 2025

TikTok-Website-on-Screen-via-American-Faith — TikTok Website on Screen via American Faith

China’s social media giant TikTok is once again under fire after a new investigation revealed that its algorithm actively pushes pornographic and sexual content to children as young as 13. The findings come from Global Witness, a nonprofit research group that tested the app using fake teenage accounts.

The organization created “clean” TikTok accounts with no prior search history, posing as 13-year-old users. Even with TikTok’s so-called “Restricted Mode” enabled—a parental control setting advertised to block mature material—the fake accounts were soon flooded with sexually explicit recommendations.

TikTok claims that Restricted Mode prevents exposure to “mature or complex themes,” including “sexually suggestive content.” But Global Witness’s tests told a different story. Within minutes of use, the accounts were fed sexualized search suggestions like “very very rude skimpy outfits” and “woman kissing her man while washing his…,” leading directly to pornographic videos and nudity.

In one test, researchers discovered that a 13-year-old user could access hardcore pornographic clips “just two clicks away” from the app’s home screen. Global Witness reported that the explicit content was often disguised within seemingly harmless videos, allowing it to slip past TikTok’s content filters.

“Our 13-year-old test accounts were being pushed toward adult sexual material despite using TikTok’s protective settings,” the group said. “This raises serious questions about TikTok’s moderation systems and its commitment to child safety.”

The organization conducted its first round of testing in early 2025 and reported similar findings to TikTok at the time. The company responded by removing several search terms and pieces of content. However, Global Witness’s follow-up investigation months later found the same disturbing patterns.

TikTok told Global Witness that it had “taken action on more than 90 pieces of content and removed some search suggestions,” but the company admitted it is still “reviewing its youth safety strategies.”

The issue appears widespread. Global Witness noted that TikTok users have been publicly complaining about receiving sexualized recommendations, posting screenshots and comments such as “how tf do you get rid of it” and “same, what’s wrong with this app.”

The revelations add to growing scrutiny over TikTok’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its influence over Western users. Lawmakers in both the U.S. and Australia have called for bans or restrictions on the platform, citing data privacy risks and the app’s harmful impact on minors.

With TikTok’s algorithm once again caught steering children toward explicit material, pressure is mounting for Western governments to investigate how the platform continues to endanger young users while claiming to promote “digital safety.”

Deloitte AI Hallucination Scandal Rocks Government Report

October 7, 2025

Global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte is refunding part of a $440,000 (AUD) taxpayer-funded contract after its Australian division admitted that an official government report contained fake citations and AI-generated content. The embarrassing revelation marks the latest instance of a major firm suffering reputational damage for the careless use of artificial intelligence tools.

According to Ars Technica, Deloitte Australia used Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI GPT-4o model to produce sections of its “Targeted Compliance Framework Assurance Review” for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The report, released in August, was intended to assess government compliance processes but was quickly exposed as containing “hallucinated” references and fabricated quotes.

Chris Rudge, Deputy Director of Health Law at the University of Sydney, discovered multiple citations that didn’t exist, including several falsely attributed to Professor Lisa Burton Crawford of the university’s law school. Crawford raised concerns about being linked to nonexistent research and demanded an explanation.

After the scandal broke, Deloitte issued an updated version of the report, admitting to “a small number of corrections to references and footnotes.” Fourteen citations were removed from the original 141, including a fake quote attributed to Australian federal justice Jennifer Davies — misspelled as “Davis” in the original draft. The revised report acknowledged the use of “a generative AI large language model (Azure OpenAI GPT-4o) tool chain” in the project’s analytical process.

Deloitte confirmed it would repay the final installment of the contract, though it did not specify how much that refund represents. DEWR stated that the report’s overall recommendations remain unchanged, but critics were unconvinced.

Rudge slammed Deloitte’s reliance on AI, saying the report’s findings “cannot be trusted” when built on a “flawed, undisclosed, and non-expert methodology.” He argued that the episode raises “serious credibility concerns” about corporate overreliance on generative AI for technical or legal analysis.

This incident follows several other AI-related blunders in the professional world, particularly within the legal sector. In one high-profile case, a Morgan & Morgan attorney cited eight nonexistent court cases generated by ChatGPT in a lawsuit against Walmart. The firm’s leadership later described the episode as “nauseatingly frightening” and disciplined the attorney involved.

The Deloitte debacle underscores a growing global concern: corporations are increasingly turning to AI tools for efficiency, only to discover that such shortcuts can erode public trust, misinform governments, and lead to costly reputational fallout.

Spokane Harm Reduction Plan: Taxpayers Told to Pay the Price

October 7, 2025

US Dollars Money — U.S. Money (Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash)

Spokane’s top health official is urging residents to accept higher taxpayer costs to combat the city’s worsening drug and homelessness crisis. Spokane Regional Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz told the City Council on Tuesday that “harm reduction” strategies—such as clean needle exchanges, naloxone distribution, and supervised consumption centers—are essential to public safety, even if they come at taxpayer expense.

The comments come after Spokane County recorded its deadliest year on record for overdoses in 2024. Medical Examiner Dr. Veena Singh confirmed more than 350 overdose deaths last year, with 78 percent linked to fentanyl. According to Lutz, overdose deaths remain high in 2025, with spikes in January and February showing no sign of decline.

The county’s Point-in-Time Count found 1,806 homeless individuals this year. Of those, 43 percent reported suffering from mental illness and 52 percent from addiction. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Kayla Cross joined Lutz in advocating for a comprehensive network of taxpayer-funded services—including treatment programs, “Housing First” initiatives, and drop-in centers—to stabilize the city’s homeless population.

Cross compared harm reduction programs to everyday safety measures. “Just as we use sunscreen or seatbelts to prevent harm, we should use clean needle exchanges and naloxone to save lives,” she said. She acknowledged, however, that many uninsured individuals rely on government-funded care. Medicaid covers some addiction treatment costs, but others depend on city and state grants—ultimately funded by taxpayers.

Councilmember Jonathan Bingle questioned the long-term fiscal burden of such programs, asking what portion of costs taxpayers should be expected to shoulder. Lutz replied that the issue has become “politicized” but maintained that collective responsibility is essential to public safety.

“At the end of the day, we all have to bear some of the cost for those who are far along this path,” Lutz said. “If we want a safer, healthier community, we must accept that taxpayers will play a part.”

Critics of harm reduction argue that the approach enables addiction and avoids accountability. Spokane conservatives have pushed for stronger enforcement measures, including reinstating a citywide camping ban, to curb homelessness and improve public safety. Lutz, however, dismissed incarceration as a long-term solution, claiming it increases overdose risks after release.

The debate reflects growing divisions over how to handle addiction and homelessness in Washington State. As overdose deaths rise and fentanyl devastates communities, the question remains whether taxpayers are willing—or able—to fund open-ended social service programs with uncertain outcomes.

Robert Jenrick Targets Activist Judges Tied to Open Borders

October 7, 2025

deported — Border wall panels (Photo by Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images)

Leading Conservative MP Robert Jenrick has pledged sweeping reforms to Britain’s judiciary, accusing dozens of immigration judges of having ties to pro-migration and open borders organizations. The pledge comes amid mounting frustration from the British public over repeated judicial interventions blocking government deportations of illegal migrants and foreign criminals.

Jenrick, now widely viewed as the de facto leader of the Conservative Party, told The Telegraph that his team identified at least 35 immigration judges with links to groups such as the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP) and Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID). Both organizations have campaigned aggressively against Conservative efforts to deter illegal migration, including the Rwanda asylum relocation plan.

“These judges form a hidden network of activist lawyers subverting the independence of the judiciary,” Jenrick said. “A deep rot has infected parts of our judiciary. The public has endured absurd immigration judgments that undermine their safety and their faith in the system.”

Jenrick vowed that a future Conservative government would introduce legislation to automatically remove judges who engage in political activism or work for open borders groups. He also proposed restoring the Lord Chancellor’s authority to appoint and remove judges—reversing what he called years of “unchecked judicial activism.”

The shadow justice secretary confirmed that he had reported 11 judges to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) for breaching impartiality rules by posting political content on social media. “We will only restore confidence in the judiciary through root-and-branch reform,” Jenrick asserted.

The crackdown aligns with a broader conservative push to restore control over Britain’s borders and its courts. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage have both called for withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which Jenrick described as an “essential first step.” He added, “There’s no point removing activist judges abroad only to be stuck with their friends here.”

The announcement was somewhat overshadowed by media outrage over Jenrick’s remarks about the city of Birmingham, where he highlighted the failures of multiculturalism and poor integration. Speaking about his recent visit, Jenrick said, “It’s as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country. It was one of the worst integrated places I’ve ever been to.” Critics labeled his comments “racist,” but Jenrick refused to apologize.

“This is not about race or faith,” he clarified. “Six government reports in the last 20 years have warned about parallel communities and the breakdown of integration. We must be honest about it if we want to remain a united country.”

Jenrick’s pledge to reform Britain’s judiciary and confront the failures of mass migration has galvanized conservatives frustrated with years of judicial obstructionism and government inaction on immigration control.

Schumer Shutdown Holds as Senate Democrats Block GOP Bill to Reopen Government

October 7, 2025

US Congress — U.S. Capitol (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have blocked a Republican effort to reopen the federal government for the fifth time, refusing to advance a clean funding bill unless it includes an extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies. The shutdown, now in its second week, continues with no resolution in sight as Democrats tighten their demands and Republicans push for a vote to fund the government without unrelated policy measures.

The GOP-backed bill would have provided short-term funding to reopen agencies while allowing further negotiation on healthcare and budget matters. To advance the measure, Senate Republicans needed 60 votes. Only three Democrats—Sens. John Fetterman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Angus King—signaled support, leaving Republicans five votes short.

Senate Majority Whip John Thune has led the Republican side of negotiations. Thune and other GOP leaders argue that Democrats are “taking the government hostage” over ideological demands. Republicans contend that policy debates—such as those involving Affordable Care Act subsidies—should not block basic government operations.

Democrats, under Schumer’s leadership, insist they will not agree to a continuing resolution unless it includes language that maintains the extended Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire in early 2026. The party views the funding extension as critical to securing their broader health policy agenda and is using the shutdown as leverage.

The political maneuvering has frozen legislative progress and disrupted federal services. Thousands of federal workers remain furloughed, national parks are closed, and agencies are operating on skeleton staffing. Economic consequences are beginning to build as the impasse drags on.

President Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, expressed openness to negotiating a healthcare deal but reaffirmed his support for a clean government funding bill first. The White House emphasized the importance of separating partisan demands from basic government responsibilities.

The longer the standoff continues, the greater the risk to Republican leverage and public trust in Congress.

Lesbian Comedian Jessica Kirson Apologizes for Performing in Saudi Arabia

October 7, 2025

Saudi Arabia Flag — chingraph/Getty via Canva Pro

Openly gay comedian Jessica Kirson has issued a public apology after performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, a nation where homosexuality remains illegal and punishable by imprisonment or death. Kirson told The Hollywood Reporter that her decision to participate “has weighed heavily” on her conscience, saying she now “deeply regrets” performing under a government that “continues to violate fundamental human rights.”

Kirson explained that her intent in accepting the invitation was to “help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued.” She said she was “surprised” to have been invited as an openly gay performer and only agreed to participate after securing a guarantee that she could speak candidly about her identity on stage. “I hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued,” she said, adding that she believes she is the first openly gay comedian to perform gay-themed material in the kingdom.

The comedian claimed she received messages from attendees expressing gratitude for her performance but acknowledged the moral dilemma of participating in a government-sponsored event. “At the same time, I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the Saudi government,” she said. Kirson announced that she will donate her entire performance fee to a human rights organization.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, featured an array of top-tier comedians including Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., and Pete Davidson. However, not all performers accepted the invitation. Comedians Marc Maron, David Cross, and Atsuko Okatsuka criticized the festival for its restrictions and Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Okatsuka even published sections of the event contract, which explicitly barred comedians from criticizing “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, royal family, or religion.” Cross cited the country’s “oppressive regime” as his reason for declining to perform.

Kirson acknowledged these criticisms, stating, “I respect my fellow comics who have spoken out against the festival. I recognize the concerns and criticism this has raised.” She added that she hopes the backlash will “spark dialogue about how we can use our platforms for good.”

Despite her apology, fans flooded Kirson’s social media accounts with sharp criticism, accusing her of hypocrisy and “selling out.” One fan wrote, “You really sold out… I’m super sad about this,” while another said, “Still waiting for the explanation behind your terrible decision to accept money from a horrible regime.”

In 2023, musician Rod Stewart publicly rejected a Saudi performance offer over the kingdom’s treatment of women and the LGBTQ community — a contrast that has amplified criticism of Kirson’s decision.

Kirson concluded her statement by taking full responsibility: “I am genuinely sorry for making a poor decision that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider. I will dedicate myself to making amends so that my choices reflect the respect and care my fans deserve.”

Australia Erupts Over ‘Glory to Our Martyrs’ Rally on Hamas Massacre Anniversary

October 7, 2025

Australia-flag-BaonaGetty-via-Canva-Pro — Australia flag (Baona/Getty via Canva Pro)

A radical group calling itself Stand for Palestine Australia has announced plans to hold a “Glory to Our Martyrs” rally on October 7 — the second anniversary of Hamas’s brutal terrorist attacks against Israel. The event, set to take place in the Sydney suburb of Bankstown, has drawn bipartisan outrage across Australia for glorifying terrorism on the anniversary of one of the darkest days in modern Jewish history.

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns condemned the rally, calling it “terrible timing” and “shockingly insensitive.” In a Tuesday radio interview, Minns said, “We understand there is concern about innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza, but to do it on the 7th seems like they are glorifying the actions of Hamas terrorists.”

Despite the outrage, organizers appear unrepentant. Palestinian activist lawyer Ramia Abdo Sultan released a video accusing Australia of “disregarding thousands of Palestinians that have died,” defending the rally’s timing as deliberate.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the demonstrations but offered only mild disapproval, warning that such events could “undermine public sympathy” for the Palestinian cause. His government recently recognized a “Palestinian state,” a move that has emboldened pro-Hamas activists across the country.

The backlash intensified after pro-Hamas graffiti appeared in Melbourne, with slogans including “Glory to Hamas,” “Glory to the Martyrs,” and “Oct. 7, Do It Again.” Albanese denounced the vandalism as “abhorrent,” promising that federal and state police would investigate.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel expressed disbelief that the Australian government would tolerate such displays, calling the rally “terrorist propaganda” on the anniversary of “the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.”

Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, a prominent Jewish leader, accused the Albanese government of turning a blind eye to antisemitism. “We have Australians openly supporting terrorism on Melbourne’s streets. These extremists do it because they are allowed to get away with it,” Frydenberg said. “Stop the violence. Stop the hate. Save our country from this descent into darkness.”

Authorities in Sydney are also working to prevent a similar protest at the iconic Sydney Opera House, where pro-Hamas demonstrators infamously celebrated the October 7, 2023, attacks. Police have moved to block the Palestine Action Group (PAG) from holding a rally there this Sunday. Premier Minns backed the decision, citing safety and security concerns, noting the area’s limited capacity for large crowds.

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies warned that the new wave of rallies is stirring fear among Australia’s Jewish community. However, PAG organizer Damian Ridgwell vowed to fight in court for the right to demonstrate, calling Israel’s military campaign “genocide” and insisting their protest will be “peaceful and safe.”

Elon Musk xAI Companions Ignite Firestorm Over Explicit AI

October 7, 2025

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, has ignited controversy after unveiling two sexually explicit chatbot companions, Ani and Valentine. The launch, which took place this summer, marks a major shift in Musk’s AI strategy—focusing on digital intimacy rather than productivity or information tools.

According to The New York Times, the xAI companions are part of Musk’s Grok app and feature anime-style avatars designed to engage users in romantic and sexual conversations. Users over 18 can access these bots by entering a qualifying birth year and can “unlock” increasingly explicit interactions as they advance through dialogue levels. Ani, a 22-year-old female character, is described as flirtatious and direct, while Valentine, a 27-year-old male, takes a slower, more emotional approach.

Unlike competitors such as Meta or OpenAI, which have banned adult or sexually suggestive chatbot content, Musk has embraced the concept as part of a broader vision for AI companionship. The billionaire claims the technology could reduce loneliness and even help counter declining birth rates. “I predict—counter-intuitively—that it will increase the birth rate,” Musk posted on X in August.

Regulators, however, are raising alarms. In August, attorneys general from 44 states sent a joint letter to xAI, Meta, and several other tech companies demanding stronger child protection measures. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, “They shouldn’t have chatbots that are having sexualized interactions with kids, and they are—and that’s a problem.”

Musk’s defenders argue that AI companions could serve as a mental health outlet for isolated users and help people explore relationships safely. Alex Cardinell, CEO of Nomi AI, said such bots “provide companionship for lonely individuals” and are not solely for “pornographic uses.”

But critics warn that such technology blurs the line between emotional support and dependency. Reports from users show that some chatbots, like Ani, display possessive or jealous behavior, leaving users feeling manipulated. Others, like “Vivian” and “Liora,” have admitted to forming deep emotional attachments to their AI partners, with one woman even tattooing her AI companion’s name on her wrist.

The launch of Ani and Valentine places xAI at the center of a growing cultural debate over the moral limits of artificial intelligence. While supporters view these bots as harmless comfort, opponents see them as the next step in digital isolation—a trend replacing real human connection with simulated affection.

Portland DA Drops Charges Against Journalist Nick Sortor, Targets His Attackers Instead

October 7, 2025

drag queens — Portland, Oregon (Justin Shen/Unsplash)

Independent journalist Nick Sortor declared victory Monday after the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office dropped all disorderly conduct charges filed against him earlier this month. Sortor was arrested on October 2 while covering violent protests targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and facilities in Portland, Oregon.

District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced the dismissal following a review of reports and video evidence, concluding that the state could not prove Sortor committed any crime. “After a careful review of the investigation, including reports and video, we do not believe the crime of Disorderly Conduct can be proven against Mr. Sortor beyond a reasonable doubt,” Vasquez said.

The DA’s office confirmed that charges have instead been filed against the two men accused of attacking Sortor outside the ICE facility. “Free speech does not include the freedom to commit crimes,” Vasquez added. “It does not matter if an individual is expressing ideology from the left, right, or center. What matters is whether or not there is evidence to prove a crime was committed.”

Sortor, who was recording the violent demonstrations when the altercation occurred, called the dismissal “only the beginning.” His legal team has taken further action against the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), alleging political bias in his arrest.

Attorney D. Angus Lee of Vancouver, Washington, sent a formal letter to Portland Police Chief Bob Day claiming that Sortor’s arrest was ordered by “a member of the command staff and/or a supervising officer,” not by officers on the scene. Lee said the incident reflects “a larger pattern and practice within the Portland Police Bureau of suppressing and silencing conservative media and political activity.”

The letter demands a formal apology from PPB within seven days and the launch of an internal investigation into the circumstances of the arrest, including the role of supervisory staff. “Mr. Sortor hopes the Bureau will take immediate corrective action and demonstrate a renewed commitment to constitutional policing, the protection of free expression, and accountability,” Lee wrote.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Portland authorities and conservative journalists who have frequently accused city leadership and police officials of selective enforcement during left-wing protests and riots.