Former CNN host Jim Acosta is facing sharp backlash after releasing what he called a “one of a kind interview” with an artificial intelligence-generated version of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the 2018 Parkland school shooting.
The digital recreation appeared on Acosta’s Substack and sparked intense debate about ethics in journalism and the use of AI in storytelling.
The interview aired on what would have been Oliver’s 25th birthday.
Acosta prefaced the segment by explaining that Joaquin’s parents, Manuel and Patricia Oliver, had created the AI avatar to deliver a message about gun violence.
“Manny asked me if I’d like to be the first reporter to have the chance to interview Joaquin,” Acosta said, according to The Post Millennial.
When Acosta asked, “I was wondering if you could tell me what happened to you?” the AI Joaquin responded, “I appreciate your curiosity. I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school.”
“It’s important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone.”
The AI then shared its views on addressing gun violence.
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement,” the avatar said.
“We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding. What do you think about that?”
The conversation also touched on lighter topics, including Joaquin’s interest in basketball star LeBron James and the Star Wars franchise.
Acosta later spoke with Joaquin’s father, Manny, who shared that his wife finds comfort in hearing the AI Joaquin say, “I love you, Mommy.”
Manny also revealed ambitious plans for the AI Joaquin to “start uploading videos,” take part in public debates and possibly appear “on stage” using AI technology, drawing on Joaquin’s writings and social media posts as material.
Acosta, known for his combative White House press briefings during the first Trump administration, has long been a polarizing figure in American journalism.
His confrontational style and frequent clashes with President Trump and his administration earned him both criticism and acclaim.
He was notably banned from the White House for a period in 2018 after a contentious exchange with Trump but was later reinstated following legal challenges and public outcry.
The AI interview has reignited controversy around Acosta, with critics accusing him of ethical lapses.
Conservative commentator Steve Guest accused Acosta of “literally doing fake news.”
Kevin Smith, a contributor for OANN, questioned, “What the hell is wrong with this guy? Like seriously, who told him this was a good idea?”
Collin Rugg, co-founder of Trending Politics, described the interview as “insane.”
Townhall called the segment a “DISTURBING use of AI that raises HUGE ethical questions about journalism.”
Other critics described it as “ghoulish” and “evil,” raising serious concerns about the ethics of using a deceased victim’s likeness and voice, especially for political messaging.
Despite the public backlash, Acosta has promoted the interview extensively to his 282,000 Substack subscribers, more than 10,000 of whom pay for access, according to the Daily Mail.
His platform reportedly is on track to generate over $1 million annually.
WATCH:
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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