Weird Al Yankovic Says He Turned Down AI Commercial

"Weird Al" Yankovic says he turned down a commercial because it involved artificial intelligence.

In an interview with Syracuse.com published this week, Yankovic said he was offered "a nice pile of money" to appear in an advertisement for business software. He initially agreed, but withdrew after learning shortly before filming that the campaign would promote AI.

"I'm not a fan of AI," Yankovic said. "I can't be the poster boy for AI."

Yankovic said he felt bad about pulling out at the last minute but decided he could not support the project. He also said he has seen jokes online that use AI to imitate his style.

His comments add to a growing list of entertainers who have criticized AI. Director Kane Parsons has called the technology harmful, while actor Emma Thompson has said it has disrupted her creative process. Madonna recently told Vogue Italia that AI and algorithms discourage the creative risks that artists should take, although an AI-assisted team contributed to her recent "Confessions II" short film.