Comedian Eric Idle says performers ‘ought to protect ourselves' from AI fakes
He told PA: 'I think it is a very interesting point, and we ought to have protected ourselves by copyrighting our images, I know my wife is very concerned about that.
'She's going to copyright my image, I won't be there, so I don't really give a…'
The rise of AI has seen numerous fake videos appearing to feature well-known celebrities on social media, while other incidents have seen their work digitally recreated.
Last year, Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson said she was 'shocked' and 'angered' at how 'eerily similar' one of the voices on AI platform ChatGPT sounded to hers.
In response, the platform's operator OpenAI said it will 'pause' the use of one of the voices.
Idle said the technology is 'actually not bad' at copying work by old artists such as The Beatles to make a new version, but he felt it could 'only copy' and not create.
He added: 'I was with Professor Brian (Cox), the other night, and he asked it to write a Python sketch, and it was shit, completely unfunny.
'It mentioned a few things which obviously it picked up from Python, but it couldn't put them together in a new and funny manner, and I think that's the weakness with AI.
'I think Stephen Fry says you could ask it to do your World War One story, it could tell you how many bullets were used and how many people were killed, and all what happened every day, but it couldn't tell you as much as a Wilfred Owen poem could tell you in one minute or two, or 14 lines.
'I don't think that it makes much difference with a lot of American television because it's just churned out.
'But I think it can't be Robin Williams. I think it can't be Billy Connolly, I think it can't be Spike Milligan, I think it can't be the really creative comedians.
'So I don't think it can come up with that because what they do, they're doing it out of their own personalities.'
The comedian will return to the UK in September for a solo tour at venues including London's Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Glasgow's Armadillo.
He will pay tribute to late friends George Harrison, Williams and Neil Innes, and perform with a virtual band.
He is best known for his appearances in the Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series alongside Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam, and its spin-off films Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975), Life Of Brian (1979) and The Meaning Of Life (1983).
Idle also created Beatles parody band The Rutles with the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band's Innes, which featured in two mockumentaries in All You Need Is Cash (1978) and The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch (2003).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
26 minutes ago
- Metro
Ellen DeGeneres would 'love' UK talk show as she moves on from bullying scandal
Ellen DeGeneres has said she'd 'love' to host a talk show in the UK after moving over from the US. However, there's one problem. The American comedian, 67, moved to Britain with her wife, Portia de Rossi, 52, in November last year, deciding to set up a new life here after Donald Trump was re-elected. While she tends to keep a low profile these days, this weekend, Ellen made her first public appearance since relocating, joining a conversation with Richard Bacon at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. She reflected on the bullying scandal that rocked her hit talk show in the States, ultimately leading to a decline in popularity and its full cancellation in 2022. After fronting over 3,000 episodes, Ellen hosted her final episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in May of that year, having been engulfed by accusations of a toxic workplace and at the centre of a wider investigation. Despite it leading to a decline in viewership, Ellen has remained defiant in the face of the allegations, now saying she'd jump at the chance to replicate some success in the UK. But while she misses her old chat show 'a lot', she isn't sure its format would work anymore, as she explained tonight in quotes obtained by BBC. 'I mean, I wish it did, because I would do the same thing here. I would love to do that again,' she admitted. 'But I just feel like people are watching on their phones, or people aren't really paying attention as much to televisions, because we're so inundated with information and entertainment.' Ellen confessed to having no plans for what she wants to do next, but she'll be planning her future career moves 'very carefully'. 'I just don't know what that is yet,' she stated, declaring that she does want to have 'fun' after growing 'bored' in recent months, now that she's not in front of the bright lights and cameras. Ellen, who now lives in a sprawling Cotswolds mansion, previously spoke about being 'cancelled' by the internet when she was accused of being 'mean' to staff behind the scenes. She once called the accusations of toxicity behind the cameras of her show 'orchestrated' and 'misogynistic', later telling her 2024 tour crowd that she struggled with knowing how to confront the matter. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'No matter what, any article that came up, it was like, 'She's mean,' and it's like, how do I deal with this without sounding like a victim or 'poor me' or complaining? But I wanted to address it,' she said in the accompanying Netflix stand-up special. 'It's as simple as I'm a direct person, and I'm very blunt, and I guess sometimes that means that… I'm mean?' The accusations against Ellen and her talk show gained widespread media attention when the complainants came forward in 2020. The host was said to have enabled not only the 'toxic' atmosphere but also 'racism, fear, and intimidation'. Furthermore, Ellen was accused of failing to address higher-ups sexually harassing female employees and directing 'racist micro-aggressions and abuse' towards employees of colour. Other accusations included staff members being fired for taking medical and bereavement leave. After the internal probe into the show's culture, three producers were sacked for alleged misconduct, with Ellen giving an on-air apology in her final show opening. Ellen, who had also vowed to retreat from showbiz for good after fulfilling her contractual commitments, now admits that life is 'just better' in the UK, having splashed out on a blissful 43-acre property in the countryside. Speaking tonight about her big move, she revealed she and former actress wife Portia, whom she wed in 2008, originally wanted it to be a 'part-time house'. They had planned to spend three or four months a year in the UK, but she now confirms it's true that the last US election swayed her decision. More Trending 'We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, 'He got in',' she recalled. 'And we're like, 'We're staying here'.' Ellen and Portia—who was present in the audience along with several other family members and celebs when Ellen's show ended—first met at a party in 2000. In their first joint interview in 2009, Portia confessed to Oprah Winfrey that she knew she loved Ellen the moment she laid eyes on her. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Yellowstone star, 54, marries weather presenter fiancée, 34, in Vatican wedding MORE: Stranger Things fans 'figure out who's going to die' after season 5 trailer MORE: Emily Atack announces engagement to boyfriend Dr Alistair Garner with romantic holiday snap
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘I know what I've done for the sport', says Luke Littler with 18 year old ‘becoming bigger than darts itself'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE LITTLER has admitted he knows what his impact has had on the sport of darts. The teenage prodigy has risen to become one of the best at the oche since his emergence at the 2024 PDC World Championship. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Luke Littler knows what he 'has done' for darts Credit: PA 3 The teenager has become the biggest name in the sport since his emergence Credit: Getty 3 He has already won the world championship Credit: Reuters Littler, 18, has already laid claim to multiple titles, including becoming the world champion earlier this year. The Warrington thrower is already a firm favourite with most darts crowds, and the sport has grown massively since his introduction. The Nuke has not only enjoyed success in darts but has seen his wider profile grow too. He was named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in December - the first ever darts player to win the award. READ MORE ON DARTS WRIGHT OR WRONG Wright shocks fans with new look as he sports tame mohawk and no beard He has seen his social media following grow to almost two million on Instagram alone. The star has also signed sponsorship deals with brands such as Xbox and McDonald's. Littler is aware of his success and admitted that he knows what he has done for the sport. He told Front Office Sports: "There's not a lot of time to look back on what I've achieved. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "But deep down I know what I've done. "I know what I've done for the sport, and I know what I've done for myself. Gerwyn Price runs rule over Luke Littler and Luke Humphries' England's World Cup of Darts flop "And it's not slowing down one bit." Littler's impact has been well documented and PDC CEO Matt Porter believes that he is becoming bigger than darts itself. He added: "We always penetrated the sports media world quite well, but Luke's been of interest to wider media. "Whether it's entertainment or media aimed at young people. "Luke transcends the sport." Luke's impact on darts is clear to see in the hike in the prize money available to players. The PDC announced there would be a massive increase in cash prizes in 2026. This includes the landmark £1MILLION prize for the next winner of the world championship. This is double the £500,000 that Littler got his hands on earlier this year for beating Michael van Gerwen in the final in January.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers divided as controversial new Maltesers chocolate lands in Morrisons stores
That's just the start of the supermarket surprises this week CHOC SHOCK Shoppers divided as controversial new Maltesers chocolate lands in Morrisons stores Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHOCOLATE fans are in for a surprise as a brand-new festive Maltesers treat has landed on shelves — in the middle of summer. The Gingerbread Flavour Maltesers Reindeer has been spotted in Morrisons stores across the UK, leaving shoppers both delighted and baffled. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Retailers are increasingly bringing in seasonal or limited-edition products earlier in the year — hoping to boost excitement Credit: facebook/@newfoodsuk One eagle-eyed customer shared the find on Facebook, posting: 'Gingerbread Flavour Malteasers Reindeer spotted online at Morrisons.' The post quickly sparked a flurry of reactions, with chocolate lovers flooding the comments section. One person said: 'mmmmmmm,' clearly excited to see the seasonal sweet. But others weren't impressed, saying the festive snack was far too early for shelves. Another wrote: 'Really? It's July.' A third joked: 'Gets any easier and jesus would be turning is his cave tomb as we put christmas stock out.' And one added: 'They haven't even got the Back to School stuff out yet.' Some simply tagged their mates in disbelief, while others asked if anyone had actually tried them yet. It's not just Morrisons jumping the gun on seasonal stock — other supermarkets have also caused a stir with early releases and unusual chocolate twists. We've outdone ourselves with this one' say Cadbury Ireland as they reveal new limited edition bar 'coming soon Meanwhile, Asda shoppers spotted Cadbury Dairy Milk Mint Bars hitting shelves unexpectedly in early June, drawing mixed reviews. And B&M shocked chocoholics by dropping a Caramilk Mint Twirl, a flavour not yet seen in the big four supermarkets. Even TK Maxx — better known for fashion and homeware — has been selling supermarket-style chocolate and sweets, with shelves packed full of branded snacks, seasonal American imports, and quirky flavours. Retailers are increasingly bringing in seasonal or limited-edition products earlier in the year — hoping to boost excitement and test demand ahead of busy periods like Halloween and Christmas. But while some shoppers welcome the early treats, others say it ruins the excitement when festive favourites appear months in advance. How to save money on chocolate We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs... Go own brand - if you're not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you'll save by going for the supermarket's own brand bars. Shop around - if you've spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it's cheaper elsewhere. Websites like let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you're getting the best deal. Look out for yellow stickers - supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they've been reduced. They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged. Buy bigger bars - most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar. So if you've got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.
