It was billed as a “one-of-a-kind interview,” but it may be remembered as a new low for journalism. Jim Acosta, the former CNN anchor turned Substack host, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by conducting what may be one of the most unsettling interviews of the AI era: a televised conversation with an AI-generated version of Joaquin Oliver, the 17-year-old who was killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
The interview aired at the request of Joaquin’s parents, who created the AI version of their son to keep his memory alive and to amplify his message about gun violence. But many viewers—across the political spectrum—are calling it exploitative, emotionally manipulative, and a dangerous precedent.
It All Started With a Tweet
Acosta teased the segment on X (formerly Twitter) on August 4: “A show you don’t want to miss at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. I’ll be having a one-of-a-kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence.”
In the clip, Acosta asks the AI avatar of Joaquin: “Joaquin, I’d like to know what your solution would be for gun violence?” The AI responds: “Great question! 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. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding.” Then, in a startling role reversal, the avatar asks Acosta: “What do you think about that?” Acosta replies: “I think that’s a great idea.”
A show you don’t want to miss at 4p ET / 1p PT. I’ll be having a one of a kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence. Plus Texas State… pic.twitter.com/mbdM2WxwUR — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 4, 2025
The Backlash Was Immediate
The promo tweet has racked up nearly 4 million views. But it also sparked a torrent of criticism, with users accusing Acosta of crossing a line, by using the likeness of a deceased child to push a political agenda. “Jim Acosta hits a new low… Interview an AI version of a dead kid in order to push gun control!!!” one user wrote. “WTF? This is beyond sick,” said another. “This is one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen in my life,” another commented.
“Unreal and mind-blowing.”
Jim Acosta hits a new low… Interview an ai version of a dead kid in order to push gun control!!! What the hell is wrong with this guy?? Like Seriously who told him this was a good idea. pic.twitter.com/OlnnHNjSuM — kevin smith (@kevin_smith45) August 5, 2025
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