NBA superstar LeBron James has taken legal action against Interlink AI, an artificial intelligence company, over the creation and distribution of manipulated videos portraying him in surreal and inappropriate scenarios—some involving music mogul Diddy.
According to reports, James’ legal team sent cease-and-desist letters to Interlink AI and several Instagram accounts that had shared the AI-generated content. The videos—which circulated widely on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord—featured fabricated depictions of LeBron James, including a version of him appearing pregnant and another showing him in a prison cell with Diddy.
In response, several social media accounts removed the videos or shut down entirely. Interlink AI also deleted all celebrity-deepfake content from its platform following the backlash.
The clips are examples of a growing online trend known as “brainrot” content—AI-generated videos that place celebrities or fictional characters in bizarre or absurd situations for shock or satire. While the fabricated nature of these videos was obvious to most viewers, their viral spread sparked fresh discussions about the ethical boundaries of generative AI.
The controversy gained further attention on X (formerly Twitter), where news of the lawsuit ironically increased awareness of the videos—a phenomenon known as the “Streisand effect.” Many users began sharing or commenting on the clips in response to the legal action, despite their removal.
LeBron James, known for his carefully managed public image, is reportedly determined to prevent such content from spreading. While it’s unclear whether the legal action will fully curb the trend, it has already forced Interlink AI to rethink its approach to celebrity content.
The lawsuit comes as LeBron James prepares for what could be his 23rd—and possibly final—NBA season. He recently made headlines for dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” while on vacation, a move that could further inflame his ongoing feud with former friend Drake.
