Rolling Stone Magazine: Jim Acosta Just Interviewed an AI Version of a Parkland Victim

5 August 2025

Joaquin Oliver's parents, Manuel and Patricia at a March for Our Lives rally in 2022.

The parents of Joaquin Oliver—one of the 17 students killed in the 2018 Parkland shooting—have created an AI-generated avatar of their son to speak about gun violence prevention. On what would have been his 25th birthday, former CNN journalist Jim Acosta hosted a remote “interview” with the AI Joaquin on his Substack platform. The avatar, programmed from Joaquin’s voice, writings, and likeness, delivered statements calling for stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and more community engagement .

While the Oliver family embraced the project as a heartfelt tribute and a way to keep Joaquin’s message alive, it prompted sharp ethical criticism. Viewers described the interview as “creepy,” “ghoulish,” and unsettling. Critics argued that survivors of gun violence could have shared more authentic perspectives, while supporters countered that the AI served as a powerful symbol of remembrance and activism

This story is also featured in:
New York Post: Jim Acosta ‘interviews’ AI-generated avatar of deceased teenager promoting gun control message

The Guardian: Jim Acosta interviews ‘made-up’ AI avatar of Parkland victim Joaquin Oliver

Learn More

See how our solution is used

July 31st 2025

How to Build a D‑ID Visual Agent: A Prompt‑by‑Prompt Guide

What Are Visual Agents? If you’ve ever wished your chatbot could look you in the eye, smile, and hold a natural conversation, you’re in the right place. D‑ID’s Visual Agents make that possible. No cameras, no crews, just a few clicks (and the right prompts) in the Studio. Visual agents are interactive AI avatars that…

July 30th 2025

The 15 Best AI Avatar Generators of 2025

Key Takeaways AI avatar generators offer a faster, more scalable way to produce engaging digital personas—from lifelike talking heads to creative stylized characters. The best tools deliver clean lip‑sync, multilingual support, and intuitive interfaces that empower users of all levels. Whether you’re aiming to humanize your brand, boost onboarding, or localize campaigns, understanding feature differences…

July 28th 2025

Creating Animated AI Videos with Conversational Avatars

Capturing the attention of potential customers and effectively promoting products requires innovative approaches. Animated AI videos have emerged as a powerful tool for product promotion, offering engaging and dynamic content that resonates with audiences. One groundbreaking technology leading the charge in this arena is conversational AI technology, revolutionizing how brands communicate and connect with consumers….