Widespread backlash caught Reese Witherspoon off guard after she encouraged women to learn about artificial intelligence and its applications.
The actor and former Stanford University student shared a now-viral video on Instagram last week. In the clip, she declares that “the AI revolution has begun” and urges her female followers to keep up with the times.
“The jobs women hold are 3x more likely to be automated by AI, yet women are using AI at a rate 25% lower than men on average,” the “Big Little Lies” star said in the video shared to her feed Thursday, April 16. “We don’t want to be left behind.”
Witherspoon quickly received criticism from fans, acclaimed authors and other artists, with many pointing to ecological and moral concerns. Some even accused the actor of being paid to endorse the technology.
“This is obviously a scripted ad and it’s genuinely infuriating. Notice how AI’s biggest defenders are the ones cashing checks from it,” wrote screenwriter and director Charlene Bagcal on Threads. “AI isn’t inevitable. Technology follows society. If people stop using it, it dies. We still have agency.”
Witherspoon returned to the platform days later to justify her stance.
“Well, I guess my AI post got people talking,” she posted to her Instagram story Monday, April 20. “To be clear, no one is paying me to talk about this. I’m just a curious human. My kids are learning about AI tools, I know a lot of founders who are vibe coding, and I hear about people using AI in EVERY sector of business.”
Witherspoon acknowledged that her fans’ concerns are “valid” and noted she recognizes the environmental and job market implications that many have brought up.
“I don’t believe computers should replace humanity,” she wrote. “I’m planning on learning as much as possible so that I’m educated about this technological revolution.”
AI has been a popular topic of discussion in Hollywood with the rise of digital performers such as Tilly Norwood, who many industry professionals have criticized for taking human jobs.
Witherspoon has been open about her use of the technology for months, telling Glamour magazine in September that she uses AI assistants and tools such as Perplexity and Vetted AI.
Last week, Sandra Bullock, who has been on a press tour for the highly anticipated “Practical Magic 2,” advocated for AI at the recent CNBC Changemakers Summit, urging the crowd to “use it in a really constructive and creative way.”