Entertainment

Outrage Over Deepfake Images Of Taylor Swift

Published

1 year ago

January 27, 2024

Editor

Fans of Taylor Swift and politicians, including the White House, expressed outrage on Friday at AI-generated fake porn images of the megastar that went viral on X and were still available on other platforms.

One image of the US megastar was seen 47 million times on X, the former Twitter, before it was removed Thursday. According to US media, the post was live on the platform for around 17 hours.

“It is alarming,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, when asked about the images.

“Sadly we know that lack of enforcement (by the tech platforms)disproportionately impacts women and they also impact girls who are the overwhelming targets of online harassment,” Jean-Pierre added.

Deepfake porn images of celebrities are not new but activists and regulators are worried that easy-to-use tools employing generative artificial intelligence (AI) will create an uncontrollable flood of toxic or harmful content.

Non-celebrities are also victims with increasing reports of young women and teens being harassed on social media with sexually explicit deepfakes that are more and more realistic and easy to manufacture.

The targeting of Swift, the second most listened-to artist in the world on Spotify (narrowly after Canadian rapper Drake), could shine a new light on the phenomenon with her legions of fans outraged at the development.

Last year Swift used her fame to urge her 280 million Instagram followers to vote.

Her fans also pushed US Congress to hold hearings about Ticketmaster when the company bungled the sale of their hero’s concert tickets in late 2022.

“The only ‘silver lining’ about it happening to Taylor Swift is that she likely has enough power to get legislation passed to eliminate it. You people are sick,” wrote influencer Danisha Carter on X.

X is one of the biggest platforms for porn content in the world, analysts say, as its policies on nudity are looser than Meta-owned platforms Facebook or Instagram.

This has been tolerated by Apple and Google, the gatekeepers for online content through the guidelines they set for their app stores on iPhones and Android smartphones.

In a statement, X said that “posting Non-Consensual Nudity (NCN) images is strictly prohibited on X and we have a zero-tolerance policy towards such content.”

The Elon Musk-owned platform said that it was “actively removing all identified images and taking appropriate actions against the accounts responsible for posting them.”

It was also “closely monitoring the situation to ensure that any further violations are immediately addressed, and the content is removed.”

The images however continued to be available and shared on Telegram.

Swift’s representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

The star has also been the subject of rightwing conspiracy theories and even fake videos where she is falsely shown to be promoting high-priced cookware from France.

– ‘Easier and cheaper’ –

“What’s happened to Taylor Swift is nothing new. For years, women have been targets of deepfakes without their consent,” said Yvette Clarke, a Democratic congresswoman from New York who has backed legislation to fight deepfake porn.

“And with advancements in AI, creating deepfakes is easier & cheaper,” she added.

Tom Kean, a Republican congressman, warned that “AI technology is advancing faster than the necessary guardrails. Whether the victim is Taylor Swift or any young person across our country, we need to establish safeguards to combat this alarming trend.”

Legally mandated controls would need the passing of federal laws, which remains a longshot in a deeply divided US Congress.

US law currently affords tech platforms very broad protection from liability for content posted on their sites and content moderation is voluntary or implicitly imposed by advertisers or the app stores.

Many well-publicized cases of deepfake audio and video have targeted politicians or celebrities, with women by far the biggest targets through graphic, sexually explicit images found easily on the internet.

Software to create the images is widely available on the web.

According to research cited by Wired magazine, 113,000 deepfake videos were uploaded to the most popular porn websites in the first nine months of 2023.

And research in 2019 from a startup found that 96 percent of deepfake videos on the internet were pornographic.

Entertainment

Meet First African Artiste Who Get Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo is poised to make history as the first African artiste to be honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Renowned for her powerful vocals, genre-blending music, and dynamic stage presence, Angelique Kidjo will be recognised in the “Recordings” category. She joins a celebrated lineup of honorees that includes Miley Cyrus and The Clark Sisters.

This prestigious honour acknowledges Kidjo’s decades-long contribution to music and her enduring commitment to sharing African culture and sounds with the global community.

The honorees were selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations during a June 20 meeting. The Chamber’s board of directors approved the selections on June 25.

The Walk of Fame Class of 2026 features 35 prominent figures across the entertainment spectrum, including music, film, television, live performance, and sports.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, in a statement.

“These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Full List of 2026 Walk of Fame Honorees

Recordings

Air Supply
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Paulinho da Costa
The Clark Sisters
Miley Cyrus
Josh Groban
Intocable
Angélique Kidjo
Lyle Lovett
Motion Pictures

Emily Blunt
Timothée Chalamet
Chris Columbus
Marion Cotillard
Keith David
Rami Malek
Rachel McAdams
Demi Moore
Franco Nero
Deepika Padukone
Molly Ringwald
Stanley Tucci
Carlo Ramboldi (Posthumous)
Tony Scott (Posthumous)
Television

Greg Daniels
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Lucero
Chef Gordon Ramsay
Melody Thomas Scott
Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos (double ceremony)
Bradley Whitford
Noah Wyle
Live Theatre/Performance

Lea Salonga
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Sports Entertainment

Shaquille O’Neal
The date of Angélique Kidjo’s star unveiling ceremony has not yet been announced.

Now 64, the Beninese-French singer continues to be celebrated for her boundary-pushing artistry, visually captivating music videos, and role as a cultural ambassador. In addition to her five Grammy Awards, she received the 2023 Polar Music Prize. A vocal activist and actress, Kidjo is widely considered one of Africa’s greatest music icons.

Entertainment

‘This Is Not Me’ – 2Baba Apologises To Wife Natasha, Children Over Controversial Comments

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has issued a heartfelt apology to his wife, Natasha, and their children following the backlash from a controversial statement he made about male sexuality and monogamy.

During a recent appearance on the 234 Mzansi podcast hosted by Nedu and others, the award-winning singer claimed it is “nearly impossible” for a man to remain sexually involved with only one woman, even if he deeply loves her. The remark quickly sparked widespread criticism and intense public debate.

In a remorseful post shared via his Instagram page on Wednesday, 2Baba acknowledged the gravity of his words and the hurt they caused.

He said, “I know I fxxked up with what I said. I know I am going to pay dearly for it. I’m going to pay the heavy price for this, you know; I said what I said, man. I didn’t say it appropriately.

“This is my situation; there is no excuse. I own up to that. I have hurt so many people – my fans, people that hold me up in high esteem, and millions of people who look up to me. This is not me; I’m terribly sorry for allowing myself, but one thing I’m sure of is that I’m sorry to my wife, the love of my life, Natasha. She is amazing, wonderful and smart. I’m so sorry. And also to my kids: you don’t deserve the kind of things I put them into.

“I’m Tuface Idibia; I’m 2Baba. I’m fortunate enough to have achieved a lot to have people look up to me. They call me the legend, but this talk of mine was quite unlegendary. I feel bad I own up to my mistakes.

“I know I will pay the price, but I just expressed myself. It’s something I thought we just said; we looked at it as a cruise, but the amount of response I got made me see the amount of love and respect people have for me, and for me to make that stupid statement, it cancelled everything. People that know me know that that’s not who I am. I dey talk some kinds of things.

“My music speaks for me.” I know you will be wondering if it’s the same person that said that thing.”

Entertainment

Top 6 Movies Produced By Late Kayode Peters

Published

6 days ago

June 29, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian filmmaker, Kayode Peters, has died in Canada after a prolonged illness.

Contents
1. 13 Letters (2021)
2. Crazy Grannies (2021)
3. I Am Nazzy (2022)
4. Survivors (2022)
5. Dream Job (2021)
6. Teardrops (2024)

The news of his death was announced by his family via his official Instagram page on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Fans, actors, and colleagues in the entertainment industry are mourning the sudden loss of a man who played a vital role in shaping modern Nigerian comedy and filmmaking.

Peters first gained prominence for directing the iconic comedy TV show Papa Ajasco and Company.

He later produced the hit sitcom Flatmates, which featured major stars like Basketmouth and Okey Bakassi. These shows became household favourites across Nigeria.

Beyond television, Peters made a strong mark in Nollywood with a string of successful films.

Below are six of his most notable movie produced by Kayode Peters:

1. 13 Letters (2021)

Directed by Peters and released on GidiBoxOffice, 13 Letters starred Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Teddy A.

The film explored the emotional fallout of social media call-outs from ex-lovers. Its relatable storyline and emotional depth made it a viral hit.

2. Crazy Grannies (2021)

Co-directed with Tope Alake, this comedy follows three grandmothers who break free from societal expectations in search of fun and freedom.

Featuring Shaffy Bello and Ngozi Nwosu, the film delighted audiences with its humour and vibrant energy.

3. I Am Nazzy (2022)

Starring Nancy Isime and Jidekene Achufusi, I Am Nazzy is a body-swap comedy that examines identity and fame. The film was praised for its refreshing storyline and comedic timing.

4. Survivors (2022)

This comedy-thriller features popular skit makers Mr. Macaroni, Broda Shaggi, and MC Lively. It tells the story of two unemployed friends who unwittingly get involved in a kidnapping plot, leading to a series of chaotic events.

5. Dream Job (2021)

A motivational drama that explores themes of ambition, disappointment, and second chances. Dream Job resonated with young Nigerians striving to achieve their dreams in the face of adversity.

6. Teardrops (2024)

A deeply emotional family drama centered on love, loss, and resilience. Teardrops is regarded as one of Peters’ most heartfelt and mature works.

In addition to the movies produced by Kayode Peters and his achievements in film and television, he also gained recognition for his stage plays and short films, including Doll House, Dead Rite, and Road to Friendship, which were featured at various film festivals.

One of his earliest contributions to the industry was Crossworld Blues, the first comedy series to air on DBN TV. Its success made Peters one of the pioneering figures in Nigerian television comedy.
(TRIBUNE)