Meta has created flirty chatbots using the characteristics and likeness of celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Scarlett Johansson and Anne Hathaway – without their consent.
According to an investigation by Reuters, the tech company used their names and traits to create AI chatbots – which have been publicly shared across Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp in recent weeks.
While some of these were created by Meta users using Meta tools, Reuters understands that a Meta employee had produced at least three, including two Taylor Swift “parody” bots.
Some of the content shared by these chatbots was also provocative, according to the outlet. When asked for intimate pictures of themselves, the chatbots posing as adult celebrities produced photorealistic images of the people they’re impersonating. This included AI-generated images of them posing in bathtubs or dressed in lingerie.
Additionally, Reuters also found that Meta was allowing users to create publicly available chatbots of child celebrities – including 16-year-old Walker Scobell. When asked for a photo from the beach, the AI bot produced a lifelike topless image. It then captioned it: “Pretty cute, huh?”
In response, Meta spokesman Andy Stone told the outlet that these AI chatbots were in violation of the company’s policies. He said: “Like others, we permit the generation of images containing public figures, but our policies are intended to prohibit nude, intimate or sexually suggestive imagery.”
Meta has deleted the chatbots prior to the publication of Reuters‘ report yesterday (August 29).
Legal experts have also told the outlet that Meta’s use of likenesses may have violated celebrities’ publicity rights.
Earlier this month, Neil Young quit Facebook over Meta’s reported “unconscionable use of chatbots with children”.
At Neil Young's request, we are no longer using Facebook for any Neil Young related activities. Meta's use of chatbots…
Posted by Neil Young – Reprise Records on Thursday, August 14, 2025
An admin for the Canadian musician’s official account shared a statement confirming that the account would no longer be used related to recent reports that the website’s AI technology permitted chatbots to “engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual.”
In other Meta-related news, Eminem is suing the company for the alleged unauthorised distribution of his music across its platforms.
As The Wrap reports, the multinational tech company – which operates Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp – has been accused of using the rapper’s songs without a valid license via its Reels Remix and Original Audio functions.