The View co-host Sunny Hostin caught a lot of flak when she signed an AI licensing deal for her books, likeness, and name. Now, as AI continues to become even more popular, she is attempting to justify what she has done. So, what is her reasoning? Keep reading for more details.
Sunny Hostin Makes Shocking Deal
The View fans could not believe it when Sunny Hostin made a deal with an AI company. AI has taken away so many creative jobs, and Sunny is in a very creative field. Of course, she was a prosecutor before she joined the panel. Now, many commercials are AI-generated, which can be very confusing for viewers. They never know if what they are watching is coming from an actual human being or not. At the same time, social media users tend to get a kick out of dancing and singing babies and animals, so where is the line drawn?
When Sunny licensed her books, likeness, and name to Fountain 0, it did not make sense to viewers. However, for her, it made all of the sense in the world. She felt that she would be able to make a difference and help “Black and Brown” stories finally get told. During the Friday, September 11th episode of The View, Sunny Hostin tried to justify why she embraced the AI movement:
“I recently partnered with a company called Fountain 0 who had an AI movie release at the Tribeca Film Festival and it’s the first time that was done. And one of the reasons I partnered with this company is because I’ve written a trilogy and for six years I’ve tried to get my films or my stories made into series and films.”
So, initially, it sounded selfish because she really just wanted her work seen and heard. Yet, that has not happened, but with this company, it appeared very promising. Then, she brought in how AI can help others:
“And the gatekeeping in Hollywood around Black and Brown creative content is insane. I cannot get New York Times best-selling books onto the screen to tell diverse stories to diverse communities.”
Co-host Joy Behar was eager to understand what AI had to do with any of this. That was when Sunny explained that AI removes the “gatekeeping.” Fans might even see Sunny Hostin on-screen, given that her likeness is licensed now.
A Selfish Move
The View fans saw and heard what Sunny Hostin had to say and why she chose AI. Sadly, they were not buying her justification. They felt that she was using it as an excuse to get what she wanted under the guise that she hoped to help people:
- I hate to say it but it seems like Sunny’s position is motivated by her desire to make her books into movies and for no other reason. It’s really kind of gross.
- I do understand the gatekeeping problem but not what she is doing about it. I agree with Joy, this choice hurts real actors.
- I’m just watching it now and I’m actually shocked that she would do that. I haven’t read her books but I thought I might check out her series, I won’t now. It’s crazy how she’s justifying that.
- Sometimes Sunny comes off as a bit fake, like she’s just repeating talking points generated for the subject matter. Some might say it feels a little too… AI-generated
What do you think of Sunny’s explanation, and do you think she is being insincere? Let us know and watch The View weekdays on ABC.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.