'My image is mine': IAMDDB condemns Israel over propaganda video

UK rapper and singer IAMDDB has condemned the Israeli government for using an AI-generated likeness of her in a propaganda video promoting pro-Israel messaging, accusing it of stealing her identity without consent and declaring her solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's genocide in Gaza.

In a statement on Tuesday, IAMDDB, whose real name is Diana Adelaide Rocha De Brito, denounced the unauthorised use of her image to promote a political narrative she firmly rejects, raising concerns about Israel's use of artificial intelligence to impersonate artists and exploit their identities for propaganda.

The video, published on the Israeli government's official X account, featured an AI-generated rapper bearing a striking resemblance to IAMDDB performing lyrics asserting Jewish historical ties to the region.

"Jews from Judea, it's in the damn name, same Hebrew letters, same culture, same prayers remain," the lyrics read.

"Berlin to Baghdad, Moscow to Fez, they said, 'Go back to where you came from,' We did."

The video drew criticism after US activist Rafael Shimunov spotted the resemblance and identified a promotional photograph of IAMDDB wearing a near-identical outfit to the AI-generated figure.

"There is nothing more funny than Israel stealing the identity of a British Angolan-Portuguese singer to create a fake Israeli in an AI video about indigeneity. Her name is IAMDDB," Shimunov wrote on X.

IAMDDB publicly confronted the Israeli government on Sunday, questioning why her likeness had been appropriated for a political message she had never endorsed.

"Hiya, yeah, so - why did you steal my identity for something I 100% did not consent to?" she wrote on X.

In a follow-up statement on Tuesday, the artist said she was seeking advice and exploring steps to protect her image, work and rights.

"I do not support genocide, the killing of innocent people, or the suffering of women, children and families," she wrote.

"My heart is with every innocent person experiencing loss, displacement and violence, especially the Palestinian people who have endured unimaginable suffering."

The video has since been deleted following the singer's criticism.

IAMDDB also addressed her previous performance in Israel, distancing herself from the country's actions and explaining that her understanding of the Palestinian struggle had changed.

She said she had not had "the awareness or understanding of the situation that I have today" when she performed there.

"Had I understood then what I understand now, I would have made a different decision. That performance should not be taken as an endorsement of any government's actions, past or present," she added.

"My image is mine. My voice is mine. My values are mine. FREE PALESTINE," she concluded.

Israel accused of stealing artist's identity for propaganda

The AI-generated video was created by Israeli-born director Eyal Be and circulated with the caption: "'GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM!' We did," according to the Manchester Evening News.

The AI-generated likeness appears to have been modelled on a promotional photograph used in a January 2018 profile of IAMDDB published by a music news outlet.

In the original photograph, the singer wears clothing from Dutch brand BALR. and Calvin Klein, with the logos seemingly altered in the AI video to read "RALA." and "Calvin Kale".

The apparent appropriation of the singer's image has renewed scrutiny of Israel's use of AI-generated propaganda to promote its political narratives while its military campaign has devastated Gaza.

The Israeli government and senior officials have repeatedly faced criticism over their use of artificial intelligence, including content accused of mocking or trivialising Palestinian suffering amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza.

On Tuesday, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released an AI-generated election campaign video depicting Gaza as a devastated ghost town in 2030.

The video mocked Palestinians who remain in the besieged territory while showcasing the destruction inflicted by Israel's military assault, turning the devastation of Palestinian communities into campaign material ahead of Israel's parliamentary elections next Tuesday.