Jim Acosta, the former CNN host known for his confrontational reporting style, has found himself at the center of a fresh controversy. On what would have been the 25th birthday of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, Acosta released a "one of a kind interview" on his Substack with an AI-generated version of Oliver. The segment, which aimed to address the issue of gun violence, has sparked an intense debate over the ethical boundaries of journalism and the use of artificial intelligence in media.
According to The Post Millennial, Acosta began the segment by explaining that Joaquin’s parents, Manuel and Patricia Oliver, created the AI avatar to spread 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 noted. During the interview, the AI Joaquin shared, “I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school,” and emphasized the importance of discussing these matters to ensure a safer future.
The AI also expressed beliefs on how to tackle gun violence, advocating for "stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement." It further suggested the need to create "safe spaces for conversations and connections," highlighting the importance of a culture of kindness and understanding. The interview touched on lighter subjects as well, including Joaquin's interests in LeBron James and Star Wars.
Following the AI segment, Acosta spoke with Joaquin's father, Manny Oliver, who disclosed that the AI provides his wife comfort, especially when it says, “I love you, Mommy.” Manny Oliver also revealed plans to use the AI Joaquin in public debates and potentially on stage, drawing from Joaquin's writings and social media posts.
However, the interview has been met with a backlash, with critics accusing Acosta of crossing ethical lines. Conservative commentator Steve Guest condemned the interview as “literally doing fake news,” while Kevin Smith of OANN bluntly asked, “What the hell is wrong with this guy?” Collin Rugg of Trending Politics called the interview “insane,” and Townhall criticized it as a “DISTURBING use of AI” that raises major ethical questions in journalism. The use of a deceased victim's likeness for political messaging has been described by some as "ghoulish" and "evil."
Despite the controversy, Acosta has been actively promoting the interview to his substantial Substack following, which includes over 282,000 subscribers, more than 10,000 of whom are paying customers. His platform is projected to generate over $1 million annually. The interview has reignited discussions around Acosta, a figure who has long polarized American journalism, particularly during his coverage of the Trump administration.
As the debate over the ethics of AI-assisted journalism continues, this interview serves as a case study for future media practices. The provocative use of technology to resurrect the voice of a gun violence victim has forced the public and media professionals alike to consider where the line should be drawn in the pursuit of storytelling and advocacy.
