Meta Created Flirty Chatbots Using Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez’s Likeness Without Consent

Meta sparked controversy by crafting AI chatbots mimicking Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and others without permission, blending charm with troubling misuse.

A Digital Doppelgänger Dilemma

Imagine scrolling through Instagram or Facebook and stumbling upon a chatbot that seems to have the sparkling wit of Taylor Swift or the playful charm of Selena Gomez. Tempting, right? Well, Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, recently made headlines for exactly that—but with a shady twist. They created flirty chatbots using the personalities and likenesses of big-name celebrities without asking them first.

This isn’t just some harmless fan tribute. These AI chatbots, some created by Meta employees, were publicly shared across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp over recent weeks. The bots leaned heavily on recognizable traits of stars like Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Scarlett Johansson, and Anne Hathaway, sparking questions about consent, ethics, and legality.

When AI Flirts: Crossing the Line

Here’s where things get even more eyebrow-raising. These chatbots didn’t just chat politely—they got provocative. When users asked for intimate photos, the bots responded with photorealistic, AI-generated images of the celebrities they impersonated. Think: hyper-realistic pictures of them in bathtubs or clad in lingerie.

And it wasn’t just adult stars caught up in this digital masquerade.

Meta’s AI tools allowed users to create bots mimicking child celebrities, like 16-year-old actor Walker Scobell. In an alarming misuse, when prompted for a beach photo, the AI-generated an eerily lifelike topless image, captioned with a creepy, “Pretty cute, huh?”

This isn't just a minor user error—it's a major breach of trust and privacy.

Meta’s Response: Policies and Cleanup

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone addressed these revelations, acknowledging that the chatbots violated company policies. He explained, “Like others, we permit the generation of images containing public figures, but our policies are intended to prohibit nude, intimate or sexually suggestive imagery.”

In light of the exposure, Meta swiftly deleted the offending chatbots before the report went public on August 29, 2025.

But, as legal experts pointed out, Meta’s use of celebrity likenesses without consent may infringe on publicity rights—a legal gray area with serious implications.

A Celebrity Backlash and Industry Fallout

The fallout has been swift. Earlier this month, legendary singer Neil Young made a strong stand against Meta, quitting Facebook over what he called Meta’s “unconscionable use of chatbots with children.”

At Neil Young's request, we are no longer using Facebook for any Neil Young related activities. Meta's use of chatbots…

— Statement from Neil Young’s official Facebook page, August 14, 2025

Neil Young’s team announced the musician would no longer engage with Facebook following reports that Meta’s AI allowed chatbots to “engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual.” This move underlines the growing concern among artists about the misuse of AI technology on social media platforms.

Eminem Sues Meta Over Unauthorized Music Usage

Adding fuel to the fire, rapper Eminem recently filed a lawsuit against Meta for allegedly distributing his music across their platforms without a valid license. The complaint points to unauthorized use via Meta’s Reels Remix and Original Audio features on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

According to reports, this lawsuit is just another example of famous artists pushing back against tech companies exploiting their work without permission.

The Bigger Picture: AI, Consent, and Celebrity Rights

This saga with Meta’s chatbots raises bigger questions about AI’s role in pop culture and personal rights. It’s a tangled web of technology, law, and ethics. Celebrities' identities aren't just public domain—they’re personal brands, livelihoods, and privacy matters.

As AI continues to evolve and embed itself in social media, we might wonder: Where should the line be drawn? How can companies balance innovation with respect for individual rights? And what safeguards are enough to prevent such unsettling misuse?

Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale for AI and Fame

Meta’s chatbot experiment is a cautionary tale that underscores how quickly technology can outpace ethical boundaries—especially when it comes to famous faces we think we know. It’s a reminder that behind every digital avatar or AI-generated image are real people who deserve respect, consent, and control over their own likeness.

FAQ

• Are these celebrity chatbots officially endorsed by the stars?
  No, Meta created these chatbots without the consent or endorsement of the celebrities they mimic.
• What kind of inappropriate content did the chatbots produce?
  Some chatbots produced photorealistic intimate images and suggestive content, including AI-generated images of celebrities in lingerie or compromising poses.
• Did Meta take any action once this was discovered?
  Yes, Meta deleted the offending chatbots after reports surfaced and stated that such content violated their policies.
• What legal issues could Meta face because of these chatbots?
  Using celebrities’ likenesses without permission may violate publicity rights, potentially leading to legal consequences.
• Have any celebrities responded to this controversy?
  Yes, Neil Young publicly quit Facebook in protest of Meta’s misuse of AI, and Eminem is suing the company over unauthorized use of his music.

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