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SZA cites environmental harm and cultural concerns, urging fans to avoid images and songs generated by her AI.
SZA talks about the harms of AI.
Grammy-winning singer SZA has taken a firm stand against her use of artificial intelligence (AI), including her image and music. On Friday night, September 19th, she shared a message with her fans via Instagram stories, asking her not to create images generated by her AI or to use her voice to create songs.
“Hey, I hate AI,” she wrote. “If you're f***ing me, don't make an AI image of me or song.”
SZA has linked concerns about AI to broader social and environmental impacts. She said, “PPPL and the child are almost dying from harm. The Pollution AI Energy Centre is creating. The stupid photos are not worth polluting and hurting under the community that serves them.”
She further added that every AI prompt contributes to environmental damage and “know that someone from a forgotten community is ultimately affecting it every time the poet uses it.”
The singer also shared “meeting and green” photos generated by her own AI with her fans, pointing out that “I saw dozens of these.”
SZA objections have been extended beyond fan-generated content. She spoke to reports that AI artist Xania Monet has secured a multi-million-dollar record deal and questioned the move. “Aeon FW (I don't even f***) This is true too. Why cut down our music?” she wrote. “I'm saying they wouldn't do this in a different genre.”
The deal, reportedly worth around $3 million, faces criticism as Monet's AI persona resembles black women who play R&B, a genre historically created and formed by black female artists.
SZA's comments come amid growing criticism of AI from peers. Singer Kerani expressed her disapproval on Thursday, writing, “Nothing, no one on earth can justify AI to me. I don't respect that.”
Chlöe also said, “AI musical artists and songs? I feel that AI should be banned when it comes to creative spaces. This makes me sad.”
MIT's research highlights that AI models consume large amounts of electricity and water for hardware cooling, resulting in significant carbon emissions and environmental stocks. In the case of SZA, the message was clear. Human creativity should not be replaced with digital simulation.
September 21, 2025, 09:28 IST
