Man behind viral AI-generated Kamala Harris video says it was meant as parody

A parody video based on an ad produced for the Kamala Harris campaign received millions of views after Elon Musk shared it on X. It triggered controversy because Musk did not mention that the video was a parody, or created with the help of artificial intelligence.

The video, created by an account by the name “Mr. Reagan,” is about 2 minutes in length and features a convincing AI audio track of the vice president’s voice.

While the voice in the video sounds like Harris, it contains numerous things that she would not say, including negative statements about President Joe Biden, her candidacy, and her policy positions. The video does, however, include some real clips of statements Harris has made on-camera, mashing up authentic content with artificial content.

The “Mr. Reagan” account is run by Chris Kohls, who makes conservative-leaning online videos and content. Kohls confirmed to Scripps News that he …