Did RuPaul use AI-generated art on the runway?
Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race recently criticized the show for allegedly using AI-generated artwork. In Season 18, episode 14, host RuPaul Charles presented portraits of contestants that viewers found suspiciously AI-like, noting features like a strange filter and incongruities such as a contestant’s boa with three separate ends.
Fans and former contestants, including Plasma from Season 16, voiced their frustration on social media. They argued that using AI conflicts with the core values of authenticity and artistry the show stands for.
This isn’t the first AI controversy for RuPaul’s Drag Race. Last year, the show’s YouTube channel released a short film featuring AI recreations of memorable drag race moments, which received major backlash, leading to its removal. Mashable has contacted the show’s production company, World of Wonder, for further comments.