Overview

• Former CNN journalist Jim Acosta used his Substack to host an AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver for a high-profile interview on August 4.
• The digital recreation was produced by Manuel and Patricia Oliver in collaboration with their advocacy group Change the Ref to promote gun control reform.
• During the conversation, the avatar advocated for stronger gun laws, expanded mental health resources and community engagement to address gun violence.
• Viewers on social media widely condemned the segment as unsettling, raising ethical questions about consent, authenticity and the role of AI in journalism.
• The Oliver family defended the project’s intent, arguing that the true problem is gun violence and announcing plans to expand AI-driven advocacy efforts.