The creators of a Discord community and an AI tool that allowed users to generate videos featuring NBA players have received a cease-and-desist letter from LeBron James’ lawyers.
This incident represents one of the first times a well-known celebrity has taken legal action against an AI company for producing nonconsensual images using their likeness.
It’s also significant as it highlights a legal response to nonconsensual AI-generated content that isn’t explicitly s*xual, which has become widespread on platforms like Instagram.
Earlier this year, I discussed a trend called ‘Brainrot AI that was gaining a lot of attention on Instagram. Many of the trending AI videos prominently featured LeBron James and were made using a tool named Interlink AI, which operates on a broader platform called FlickUp.
Within the Interlink AI Discord channel, users shared detailed guides on how to create these videos. Some popular creators were achieving millions of views on Instagram by making AI-generated videos of both LeBron James and Steph Curry.
These videos included disturbing scenarios, such as one where an AI version of James witnessed an AI-generated Diddy assaulting Curry in prison, as well as others depicting James in various compromising situations.
In late June, the moderators of the Interlink AI Discord community announced that they would be removing all “realistic people models” from the platform.
They explained that this decision was made in response to the legal issues involving a prominent basketball player. To prevent any further complications, they opted for a proactive approach by eliminating all realistic likenesses from their site.
While some users may be disappointed by this change, the moderators emphasized that it was necessary to secure the platform’s future and focus on developing larger projects.
Jason Stacks, the founder of FlickUp, confirmed that the player in question was indeed LeBron James. He stated that they received a cease-and-desist letter from James’ attorney regarding one of their creators, Interlink AI.
After receiving the letter, they quickly decided to remove all realistic models from the Interlink AI software. Stacks acknowledged that generative AI operates in a complex legal environment concerning copyright and intellectual property, but expressed their commitment to aligning with legal standards.
Stacks did not disclose the contents of the cease-and-desist letter but mentioned that it was issued by the law firm Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C. Despite multiple attempts to get more information from the firm, they did not respond.
A receptionist indicated that they could not connect anyone with the lawyers.
According to Stacks, they took the letter from James’ legal team very seriously. He stated that they removed the models immediately and have since revised their policies regarding likenesses and public figures. He summarized their side of the story by reiterating the swift action taken after receiving the cease-and-desist.
Stacks also shared an Instagram Reel discussing the cease-and-desist letter, where he briefly showed parts of the document. In one clip, the name “Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks” was visible in the corner of a page.
In the video, Stacks expressed his concern, saying, “This is a letter from one of the biggest NBA players of all time.” He reflected on how his initial idea of launching an AI video platform to help creators earn money turned into a situation where LeBron James was not pleased, leading to the legal notice.
Before the cease-and-desist was issued, Stacks had shared an AI-generated image of LeBron relaxing on a pool float in a basketball channel on the Interlink Discord, remarking on how “chill” he looked.
Instagram has since deleted at least three accounts that had gained millions of views for posting nonconsensual AI videos featuring James.
The Interlink Discord group provided users with step-by-step instructions on creating videos of James and included a “wins” channel where members celebrated getting celebrities like 50 Cent to engage with their videos.
One particular video, which depicted a disturbing scenario involving James, Curry, and Diddy, garnered over 6.2 million views on Instagram.
Due to the popularity of AI-generated videos featuring NBA players, Interlink introduced models based on several basketball stars, including James and Curry, as well as other famous individuals like Elon Musk and Drake. The moderators expressed that these additions would enhance creativity for users aiming to create NBA-themed content.
The Discord moderators even showcased some of their creations, including an April announcement featuring an AI video of a pregnant James exclaiming, “Curry come quick, my baby is being born.”
It is noteworthy that James’ legal team recognized the activities of Interlink and FlickUp. As reported previously, celebrities are frequent targets of nonconsensual AI-generated imagery.
Despite the existence of some safeguards, creators often seek to generate celebrity-related content, and there are limited instances of celebrities and their legal representatives actively opposing this trend.
Recently, several websites known for generating images of real people have ceased these practices after being cut off by their payment providers.
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