Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s ChatGPT Ad Draws Online Backlash
Samantha Ruth Prabhu appeared in an advertisement for ChatGPT.
In it, she says the service “gets me” in every language.
Some people online questioned the ad because she is also taking legal action against the misuse of AI.
The Bombay High Court has temporarily protected her rights over her identity and public image.
That protection includes certain AI-made videos and chatbots using her face, voice, or likeness without permission.
Shabana Azmi said choosing what to endorse is personal, but she would not promote something harmful or something she would not use.
Prahlad Kakkar said celebrity endorsements should be truthful and clear.
The debate highlights how people are scrutinizing what public figures promote.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu faced online criticism for endorsing ChatGPT while pursuing legal protection from AI misuse.
The advertisement went viral and featured her saying ChatGPT “gets me” in every language.
The Bombay High Court granted her an interim injunction protecting her personality and publicity rights.
The injunction covers unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes, morphed videos, and chatbots using her likeness or voice.
Shabana Azmi and advertising guru Prahlad Kakkar commented on personal choice, truthful endorsements, and scrutiny of celebrities’ commercial decisions.
- Who
- Samantha Ruth Prabhu, with comments from Shabana Azmi and advertising guru Prahlad Kakkar.
- What
- Samantha faced online backlash for endorsing ChatGPT while pursuing legal action over AI misuse.
- When
- The ad went viral; the Bombay High Court granted the interim injunction last week.
- Where
- The legal ruling was issued by the Bombay High Court; the backlash took place online.
- Why
- Critics questioned the apparent contrast between promoting an AI platform and seeking protection from unauthorized AI uses of her identity.
Criticism of the endorsement
Endorsements as personal choice
Promoting AI while challenging AI misuse
Criticism of the endorsement
Critics questioned the apparent contradiction between Samantha endorsing ChatGPT and pursuing legal action over AI misuse.
Endorsements as personal choice
The article reports that Shabana Azmi considers endorsements a personal choice, while saying she would not promote a harmful product or one she would not use.
Standards for celebrity advertising
Criticism of the endorsement
Prahlad Kakkar said public-figure endorsements must be completely truthful, transparent, and unambiguous, and noted that online scrutiny and legal liability affect celebrities’ choices.
Endorsements as personal choice
Kakkar’s comments also recognize that prominent figures make commercial choices under growing scrutiny; the article does not report a direct defense of Samantha’s specific ad.
- Endorsed platform
- ChatGPT
- Ad phrase
- Samantha said ChatGPT “gets me” in every language.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Ruling
- An interim injunction protecting Samantha’s personality and publicity rights.
- Uses covered
- Unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes, morphed videos, and chatbots using her likeness or voice.
- Commentators
- Shabana Azmi and advertising guru Prahlad Kakkar