Recently, a shocking video made with Artificial Intelligence triggered a strong reaction from Olivier Bianchi, mayor of Clermont-Ferrand. This publication, which violently depicts the faces of the mayor and several of his deputies, led Bianchi to report the matter to the public prosecutor. This situation also raised questions about the anonymous violence spreading on social media, resulting in demonstrations of support for the elected official on platforms like Facebook.
A controversial video online
The video in question, published on a social network, shows graphic representations of Olivier Bianchi, his deputies Cyril Cineux and Thomas Weibel, as well as the ecologist deputy Nicolas Bonnet, whose heads are depicted in disturbing ways, crushed or cut. This visual staging has caused deep discomfort not only for the mayor but also for many citizens, illustrating a general weariness in the face of the virtual violence expressed on social media.
The reaction of Olivier Bianchi
Olivier Bianchi issued a statement on his Facebook account, sharing his decision to contact the public prosecutor following this video. In his message, he expressed his outrage: “Enough! No political hostility justifies seeing your head crushed or cut.” Bianchi stated that he understood the sometimes justified anger of citizens, while reminding them of his willingness not to legitimize violence. He also expressed his support for the other elected officials targeted by this smear campaign.
The context of the controversy
This incident is not an isolated event for Olivier Bianchi. Throughout the year 2023, he had already been the target of severe criticism on social media, particularly regarding ongoing construction projects in Clermont-Ferrand. These criticisms took the form of mockery about his physical appearance, forcing Bianchi to consider legal actions for defamation, thereby demonstrating the extent of the attacks he was facing.
A work created with AI
Olivier Bianchi specified that the controversial video was produced using Pika, an online tool that uses Artificial Intelligence to modify images. According to him, the video was uploaded by a moderator of a group of detractors on Facebook. Although the group administrator claimed he was not responsible for this publication, this incident raises questions about the responsibility of content moderators on various social networks.
The legal implications of the publication
The duty to moderate content on social media is a crucial issue, especially regarding topics that can encourage violence or hatred. The argument that the video was published on a moderator’s personal page may be legally defensible, but it also highlights the need for better regulation of how content is shared. While awaiting a response from Dominique Puechmaille, the public prosecutor, the situation remains tense and reflects a climate of verbal and visual violence on the internet.
