Batman, AI and the LA mayor’s race: Spencer Pratt videos spark backlash and legal debate

AI-generated videos portraying Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt as Batman and Luke Skywalker have flooded social media, raising concerns about California’s laws on AI political content. One widely shared video shows Pratt as Batman confronting a Joker-inspired version of Mayor Karen Bass amid a burning Los Angeles, while another depicts him as Luke Skywalker rescuing the city with AI-generated Gov. Gavin Newsom as Emperor Palpatine. The videos, created by filmmaker Charlie Curran, feature Pratt as a heroic figure battling chaos, including a scene where Bass, dressed as Darth Vader, declares, 'The only thing that can stop us is someone telling the truth.' Pratt’s campaign reposted the clips without direct confirmation of coordination with Curran, who declined comment. Critics, including Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman, condemned the content for promoting violence and exploiting Hollywood workers affected by AI. Bass called the videos ‘very scary,’ while Raman’s campaign argued Pratt’s support for AI-generated content contradicts his claims to care about displaced workers. Pratt dismissed concerns, calling them ‘the funniest thing I’ve ever heard’ and blamed Bass for Los Angeles’ response to the deadly Palisades fire. His campaign stated the videos were shared by supporters without full review, though Pratt expressed excitement over positive content shared by supporters. Legal and ethical debates continue over whether California’s regulations apply to AI-generated political content, with opponents questioning the authenticity and impact of such materials in elections.