Additional Coverage:
- Authors are slamming Reese Witherspoon for telling followers ‘it’s time to learn A.I.’ (latimes.com)
Reese Witherspoon Faces Backlash from Authors Over AI Advocacy
Reese Witherspoon is once again stirring conversation around artificial intelligence, and this time, many American authors are voicing their concerns. The Oscar-winning actress and producer, celebrated for championing women’s voices through her book club and media projects, encouraged her social media followers on Wednesday to embrace learning about AI-a move that has drawn mixed reactions.
In an Instagram reel, Witherspoon wrote, “Well…I’ve decided it’s TIME. The AI revolution has begun, and I need to learn as much as I possibly can about AI and share it with all of you.
Also, FYI: the jobs women hold are 3x more likely to be automated by AI, yet women are using AI at a rate 25% lower than men on average. We don’t want to be left behind.
So…do you want to learn with me?”
She recounted a recent book club meeting where, out of 10 women, only three reported using AI, and just one felt confident in doing so. “If three out of 10 women are the only ones using AI, that means 70% of that group is not keeping up,” she said. “The thing I’ve learned about technology is if you don’t get a little bit of understanding from the very beginning, it just speeds past you.”
Witherspoon also floated the idea of creating a course to learn AI basics together, aiming to share useful tools that could simplify daily life.
While some fans and fellow celebrities like Ali Larter and Kerry Washington expressed enthusiasm, a significant number of responses came from writers and the literary community, who raised objections on various grounds.
Bestselling author Roxane Gay responded simply, “Oh Reese. Absolutely not.” Screenwriter Charlene Bagcal criticized the promotion of AI as driven by financial interests, emphasizing that “AI isn’t inevitable” and that society ultimately controls technology’s trajectory.
Eric Smith, a literary agent and author, expressed disappointment, noting Witherspoon’s usual support for authors. Others pointed out personal experiences with AI’s impact on their work-Jennifer Wright shared that AI had plagiarized her books, questioning the fear of being “left behind.”
Writer and actor Rati Gupta challenged the notion that avoiding AI equates to being outdated, highlighting the value of intact cognitive function. Sophia Benoit called out what she saw as a patronizing tone toward women, Witherspoon’s core audience.
This isn’t Witherspoon’s first brush with controversy over tech adoption. In 2021, her company Hello Sunshine partnered with the NFT collective World of Women, prompting backlash after a tweet predicting digital identities became the norm.
Representatives for Witherspoon have not responded to requests for comment.
This report originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.