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The spotlight on Will Smith has taken an unexpected twist as the iconic rapper and actor finds himself at the center of a fresh controversy. Fans are buzzing with accusations that he’s used artificial intelligence to fabricate images of adoring crowds in a new tour video, raising eyebrows across social media.
The 56-year-old is currently touring to promote Based On A True Story, his first studio album in two decades, released back in March. But this latest promotional clip has sparked more debate than applause.
The Video That Sparked the Storm
Ahead of the UK leg of his tour, Smith shared a highlight reel on Instagram, showcasing packed venues and enthusiastic fans waving signs as he strutted along the barricades. His caption read, “My favourite part of tour is seeing you all up close. Thank you for seeing me too”—a heartfelt nod to his supporters. Yet, the video’s reception took a sharp turn as viewers zoomed in on peculiar details.Critics pointed to shots where audience members appeared with blurred or distorted faces, some sporting extra fingers or oddly shaped hands. One striking moment showed a man clutching a sign proclaiming, “‘You Can Make It’ helped me survive cancer.
THX Will,” only for his knuckles to blur into the placard. Even stranger, the woman in front seemed to hold his hand, while a headband from someone behind merged eerily onto her wrist. Social media erupted, with Reddit users labeling it “pathetic” and likening the distorted images to “melted waxworks” of real people—possibly a botched attempt at image upscaling.
A Broader AI Controversy
This isn’t just Smith’s battle. The music industry is grappling with AI’s growing footprint, and the timing couldn’t be worse. A recent study warns that AI could slash a quarter of musicians’ income over the next four years.Platforms like Deezer report a flood of 10,000 AI-generated tracks daily—10% of their uploads—while Spotify has seen fake songs pop up on deceased artists’ profiles. High-profile names like Elton John, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and Paul McCartney have urged the UK government to overhaul copyright laws to counter this threat.
SZA has slammed AI users as “codependent on a machine,” and even James Cameron fears a Terminator-style reality. Smith’s video lands smack in this heated debate, fueling speculation about his team’s motives.
What’s Next for the Tour?
NME reached out to Smith’s reps for comment, but as of now, silence reigns. The Based On A True Story tour rolls on, with tonight’s (August 25) stop in Cardiff kicking off the UK leg. Here’s the lineup:August 25 – Bute Park, Cardiff
August 27 – Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
August 28 – O2 Academy Brixton, London
August 30 – The Halls, Wolverhampton Grab those remaining tickets if you’re keen to see the show unfold!Beyond the Ring
Offstage, Smith’s world keeps spinning. Director Michael Bay has stepped away from his upcoming film Fast And Loose due to creative clashes, while Smith recently reflected on turning down blockbuster roles like The Matrix and Christopher Nolan’s Inception, even crafting a music video nod to the former. Whether this AI saga dents his tour or fades into the background, one thing’s clear—Will Smith remains a magnet for headlines.
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