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