An AI-generated video of Tupac Shakur casually shopping at Target has gone viral — and critics say it’s a disturbing example of how far artificial intelligence has gone in recreating the dead.
The short clip, created using OpenAI’s Sora video generator, shows a lifelike digital version of the late rapper pushing a shopping cart, greeting fans, and posing for selfies in a Target store. The caption “Tupac spotted at Target” accompanied the video on TikTok, where it quickly racked up millions of views.
But while some fans found the video amusing or nostalgic, others were deeply unsettled. “This AI ish ain’t gonna end well,” one user wrote. Another added, “I’m tired of this ish now. It’s getting out of hand”. One viewer pointed out the surreal detail of Tupac shopping for socks in the cereal aisle, calling it “crazy”.
A Growing Backlash Against AI Celebrity Cloning
The Tupac Target video is part of a broader trend of AI-generated content featuring deceased celebrities. Other viral clips show Tupac interacting with Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee, and even Fidel Castro in a fictional “celebrity heaven” in Cuba. These videos have sparked heated debates about the ethics of digitally resurrecting public figures without consent.
Fans and critics alike are questioning whether these portrayals honor or exploit the legacies of beloved icons. “We are technically bringing people back to this reality, and it’s so wild to think about,” one X user commented. Another warned, “We are in trouble by 2030”.
View Video Here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/rUBnmfFS6bs?si=RrgQhu6VynM6vtBP
Legal and Moral Concerns from Tupac’s Estate
This isn’t the first time Tupac’s likeness has been used controversially. In 2024, his estate issued a cease-and-desist letter to Drake for using an AI-generated version of Tupac’s voice in a diss track. The estate called it a “flagrant violation” of Tupac’s publicity rights and a “blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time”.
The Target video has reignited calls for stricter regulation of AI-generated content, especially when it involves deceased individuals. Critics argue that such videos can mislead viewers, disrespect families, and distort public memory.
The Future of AI and Celebrity Culture
Despite the backlash, the market for AI video generators is booming, projected to grow 20% annually. Their low cost and accessibility make them popular tools for entertainment, marketing, and social media — but also ripe for misuse.
As AI continues to blur the line between reality and simulation, the Tupac Target video may be remembered not just for its viral success, but as a flashpoint in the debate over digital ethics and legacy.