Michigan congressional candidate Anthony Hudson is apologizing after his campaign posted an AI-generated “endorsement” from Martin Luther King, Jr.
The bizarre video said, “I have another dream. Yes, it is me, Martin Luther King. I came back from the dead to say something. As I was saying, I have another dream that Anthony Hudson will be Michigan’s 8th District’s next congressman. Yes, I have a dream again.
“Okay, now I am going back to where I came from. Goodbye,” the fake King said.
GOP congressional candidate Anthony Hudson (MI-08) posts a TikTok featuring an AI-generated MLK Jr. voice:
"I have another dream! Yes, it is me, Martin Luther King. I came back from the dead to say something … Anthony Hudson will be Michigan 8th District's next congressman." pic.twitter.com/8BarOfXfI2
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) June 14, 2024
Go Ad-Free, Get Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial
MORE NEWS: Controversial Copperwood Mine in limbo after Senate fails to vote on $50 million in state subsidies
An apparent AI-generated disclaimer was added to the message, “My name is Anthony Hudson and I approve this message.”
Go Ad-Free, Get Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial
A short time later Friday, Hudson said the friend of a volunteer obtained his social media login credentials and posted the video “without my knowledge.”
“It appears that they not only used AI for MLKjr’s voice but also with my voice to make it appear more authentic. The volunteer has been released and all my social media credentials have been updated,” Hudson said.
A volunteer gave my social media credentials to one of his friends who then posted an AI video without my knowledge. It appears that they not only used AI for MLKjr’s voice but also with my voice to make it appear more authentic.
The volunteer has been released and all my…
— Anthony Hudson (@AHudson2k24) June 14, 2024
“I would have NEVER approved such a STUPID and DISRESPECTFUL video! I sincerely apologize that all of you have seen this and I’m extremely furious about this situation. This could happen to any of us so please be cautious and aware of who has your person (sic) information.”
Last year, Michigan Democrats banned the use of AI-generated political advertisements without a clear indication it is fake.
“In the ever-evolving landscape of political campaigns, today’s signing of House Bills 5141 and 5144 underscores our commitment to upholding the integrity of our democratic process,” state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, D-East Lansing, said in a statement released Nov. 30. “As artificial intelligence becomes more intertwined with political advertising, it’s crucial that we safeguard the truth in our elections. In an era where trust in our democratic institutions is paramount, these measures champion honesty and transparency — the bedrock principles of our democracy. Let’s continue working towards an electoral system where every voter is empowered by the truth and where our democracy stands firmly against deception.”