Ex-CNN anchor Jim Acosta interviewed a deceased 2018 Parkland school shooting victim recreated through artificial intelligence Monday, talking about gun violence and the teenager’s interests.
Acosta said Monday marked what would have been Joaquin Oliver’s 25th birthday. He was one of 17 people who died in the Florida school shooting. Acosta said Oliver’s parents recreated their son using AI, and the victim’s father asked Acosta if he wanted to be the first to interview their digital creation.
Acosta asked the AI-generated Oliver, “What happened to you?” and what his solutions to gun violence were. Oliver introduced himself in a higher-pitched voice, then spoke in a deeper voice when delivering his answer.Â
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard,” Oliver said on The Jim Acosta Show.
“It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” Oliver said.
Oliver then shifts in a higher-pitched voice when Acosta asks about his hobbies, saying he wants to keep inspiring others “though my life was cut short.” The two also discussed basketball and Star Wars.
Acosta also interviewed Oliver’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said he felt “blessed” hearing his late son’s voice talking to the anchor. Manuel Oliver also said in a video on X that anyone with a problem with his AI-generated son has “the wrong problem.”
Comments on Acosta’s YouTube interview with Oliver are paused as of Tuesday morning. Acosta also turned off comments on his X post promoting the interview.
Meanwhile, comment replies are still open to Acosta’s post on BlueSky, where many users were displeased with an interview snippet Acosta shared.
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“Hey, Jim. Quick question. What the f*** is wrong with you?” one BlueSky user said.
Acosta left CNN on Jan. 28, eight years after he feuded with President Donald Trump, who called him “fake news.” Trump celebrated Acosta resigning from the network in a statement on Truth Social, calling him “a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up.”