Despite a wave of backlash, Vicky Pattison’s deepfake sex tape is airing on TV tonight (28 January).
The former Geordie Shore star explained why she’s released it, after having ‘wrestled with the decision’ to do so.
In a bold move, Pattison directed, produced, and distributed her own explicit video using artificial technology to superimpose her face onto the actor portraying her likeness.
The tape was posted to social media ahead of tonight’s documentary: Vicky Pattison: My Deepfake Sex Tape.
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Airing on Channel 4, it is set to explore the issue and the effect it has on women and girls, despite the fact that many campaigners say they warned against it.
Why is Vicky Pattison releasing her deepfake sex tape?
While many have criticised the video’s release as ‘disrespectful’, Pattison’s motivation for sharing the video is to be able to learn more about how this kind of deepfake content spreads and the processes involved in attempting to get it taken down.
“I am hugely passionate about women’s issues and have found myself increasingly disturbed by how prevalent the problem of deepfake porn is becoming,” the 37-year-old explained.
“This is just the latest trend in the abuse of women and having met some of the inspirational women who have put their lives back together after being victims of sexually-explicit deepfake abuse, I feel more strongly than ever that we need to stand with these women and continue to put pressure on the greater powers within the Government to catch up with the speed at which this technology is advancing."
Backlash and criticism against the documentary
However, ‘deepfake image abuse survivor-campaigner’ Jodie told LADbible she felt ‘deeply offended’ by the decision for the video to be released.
She explained that she and other survivor organisations had ‘strongly advised against this approach’ and added: “While Vicky’s intentions may have been to raise awareness, this decision by Channel 4 feels like a betrayal to survivors like me who have fought tirelessly for recognition, dignity, and justice.”
As criticism comes ahead of tonight’s release, a Channel 4 spokesperson told LADbible: “We understand that there have been varying views on this approach. In this documentary, Vicky aims to demonstrate how simple it is to create explicit deepfake content and raise awareness of how accessible this content is and how it can proliferate online.
"She also wanted to experience, as closely as possible, the feelings, vulnerabilities and concerns that arise when one becomes a victim of deepfake porn.
"The documentary recreates this, in a controlled environment, to exemplify the ease with which this kind of content can spread online and to raise awareness by demonstrating actions people can take should they find themselves a victim of this crime. The choice to make original footage ensures that everyone involved was able to fully consent from the outset.”
And in response to claims it may be ‘disrespectful, they added: “The documentary hears directly from victims of image-based abuse, to ensure that victim’s stories are at the forefront of the purpose of the programme. In doing so, audiences will see first-hand testimony from those who have lived through this issue, thus raising the profile of the problem and the ways in which we must support victims, through better processes enforced on tech companies, government legislation, better education and activism.”
Pattison also told The Sun on Sunday that it wasn’t a decision she ‘made lightly’ adding: “It is one that I struggled with right until the end.
“I completely understand some people might be angry and upset about what we’ve done and I in no way want to diminish that. I’d never want to trivialise victims’ feelings.”
Vicky Pattison: My Deepfake Sex Tape will be available to watch and stream on Channel 4 at 10pm tonight.
Topics: Celebrity, Channel 4, Documentaries, TV and Film, Geordie Shore
Jess Battison