Queen deepfake speech: Ofcom complaints SOAR even higher after Channel 4 sparks outrage | Royal | News (Reports)

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In December, the broadcaster released a Christmas message which featured the “deepfake” Queen Elizabeth II. The speech initially caused 214 objections to be sent to the TV regulator Ofcom.

But now it has emerged that Ofcom received 347 complaints after viewers slammed the speech as “horrifically disrespectful”.

The alternative Queen’s speech featured an AI version of Her Majesty dancing and discussing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties.

Actor Debra Stephenson, 48, delivered the alternative Christmas address but looked like the 94-year-old monarch thanks to visual effects.

The five-minute fake Queen’s speech was aired after people across the UK watched the real monarch deliver her Christmas address.

The video was created using artificial intelligence technology and saw the fake Queen discuss the Sussexes’ move to North America.

Royal fans were horrified by the “deepfake” version of Queen Elizabeth II with some viewers pleading with Ofcom to take action against the speech.

One viewer tweeted Ofcom to ask: “Can you please do something to stop this horrifically disrespectful, treasonous assault on the senses?”

Another person wrote: “I would rather go to the kitchen and hold my hands down on the hot plate for 10 minutes than watch this ‘woke’ rubbish.”

READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II made moving Christmas Day tribute to Prince Philip

“This year more than any other year, things are not what they seem. One must now mute oneself on Zoom while using the loo.”

She went on to discuss Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties.

Last year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family to lead a financially independent life.

The couple relocated to North America with their baby son Archie.

The fake Queen said: “I was so saddened by the departure of Harry and Meghan.

“There are few things more hurtful than someone telling you they prefer the company of Canadians.”

Royal commentators blasted Channel 4’s broadcast for the speech’s “really poor taste”.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, told the Sun: “It is in really poor taste and didn’t look that funny. There are a lot of people you can ridicule – but not the Queen.

“This kind of thing would never have happened ten years ago. Channel 4 are using the Queen to get some publicity.”

The fake Queen Elizabeth II ended her speech by warning Britain against misinformation and told viewers to question “whether what we see and hear is always as it seems”.

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