Bernice King Slams Sexyy Red’s AI Photo with Martin Luther King Jr.: ‘This Is Disrespectful to My Father’s Legacy'”

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 21, 2025, rapper Sexyy Red sparked outrage after sharing AI-generated images of herself alongside the iconic civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., on social media.

The pictures were a re-imagined nightclub scene and a digitally altered version of the historic 1963 March on Washington, which were condemned for trivializing King’s legacy and disrespecting his work.

The critics included Bernice King, Martin Luther King Jr.’s youngest daughter, who condemned the posts in a public statement.

The Controversial Images

Images generated by AI that Sexyy Red had shared showed two different scenarios. In one, she and Martin Luther King Jr. seemed to be clasping hands in a seemingly celebratory nightclub setting.

Another image altered the iconic photograph from the 1963 March on Washington; when King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. The rapper was inserted in the lineup of civil rights leaders.

https://twitter.com/sexyyred314_/status/1881450297358508156?s=46

The images were intended to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but their tone and context quickly drew backlash for what many saw as a tasteless and inappropriate representation of one of history’s most significant figures.

Bernice King’s Powerful Response

Bernice King, who has dedicated her life to preserving her father’s legacy, was quick to respond. She retweeted the post with a sharp rebuke, writing:

“This is intentionally disgusting, disrespectful, shameful, and horrible to my family and to my father, who can’t defend himself in person because he was murdered for his efforts in promoting your civil and human rights and ending war and poverty. Please erase.”

This is intentionally distasteful, dishonoring, deplorable, and disrespectful to my family and my father, who is not here to respond himself because he was assassinated for working for your civil and human rights and to end war and poverty.

Please delete. https://t.co/g1S726qSMf

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 21, 2025

Her statement underscored the deep pain caused by the misuse of her father’s image and the continued struggles her family faces in safeguarding his legacy against inappropriate or exploitative depictions.

Public Reaction and Backlash

It incited a firestorm of criticism in the social media, because some of the fans of Sexyy Red took it as something to laugh at and cry for; however, there are so many people who joined in Bernice King’s call against the images saying that they were “offensive,” “tone-deaf,” and “disrespectful.”.

Up to this writing, Sexyy Red has not come out to make a public comment on the backlash or Bernice King’s statement. Such posts remain live on her social media, giving more reason for people to continue their criticism that the rapper’s silence is not an indication of responsibility.

This has sparked discussions on the ethics of AI-generated images, especially where such images depict historical figures. Such content – while often intended as humorous, provocative, or even satirical – can trivialize easily what is actually valuable in sacrifice, effort, and achievement.

Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated in 1968 while fighting for civil rights, remains a global symbol of justice, equality, and nonviolent activism. Altering his image to fit a modern, entertainment-driven context risks undermining the gravitas of his life’s work.

Protecting the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

This is yet another incident for Bernice King that reminds her family that there are many challenges they still face to protect her father’s image and message. As the CEO of The King Center, Bernice has always fought for the ethical use of her father’s image and teachings by advocating dignity and respect for his legacy.

Her swift condemnation of Sexyy Red’s AI-generated images highlights the seriousness with which she approaches this mission. Beyond her personal grief, Bernice King’s response reflects a broader call to action for society to approach figures like Martin Luther King Jr. with the reverence and responsibility they deserve.

While AI technology offers creative opportunities, it also raises critical ethical questions, particularly when it intersects with history and culture. The controversy surrounding Sexyy Red’s posts serves as a stark reminder that not all content is appropriate for digital experimentation.

As the world reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. this holiday, Bernice King’s words challenge us to remember the profound sacrifices he made for civil rights and to honor his memory with the respect it warrants.