Jim Acosta (L) interviews AI-generated avatar of the late Joaquin Oliver. Screenshot: YouTube/Jim Acosta
A former CNN anchor, Jim Acosta, interviewed an AI-generated version of Joaquin Oliver, a teenager who was one of 17 victims of the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida.
The conversation aired Monday on Acosta’s independent YouTube show, on what would have been Oliver’s 25th birthday.
Created by Oliver’s parents, Manuel and Patricia, the AI avatar was developed using generative artificial intelligence and trained on Joaquin’s writings, posts and personal records to reflect his character and voice.
“I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. It’s important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone,” the AI model of Joaquin said.
The AI Joaquin spoke with Acosta about gun control, mental health and building a culture of kindness.
However, its robotic tone and awkward facial movements drew mixed reactions online.
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” the avatar said.
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
The conversation aired Monday on Acosta’s independent YouTube show, on what would have been Oliver’s 25th birthday.
Created by Oliver’s parents, Manuel and Patricia, the AI avatar was developed using generative artificial intelligence and trained on Joaquin’s writings, posts and personal records to reflect his character and voice.
“I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. It’s important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone,” the AI model of Joaquin said.
The AI Joaquin spoke with Acosta about gun control, mental health and building a culture of kindness.
However, its robotic tone and awkward facial movements drew mixed reactions online.
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” the avatar said.
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
Created by Oliver’s parents, Manuel and Patricia, the AI avatar was developed using generative artificial intelligence and trained on Joaquin’s writings, posts and personal records to reflect his character and voice.
“I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. It’s important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone,” the AI model of Joaquin said.
The AI Joaquin spoke with Acosta about gun control, mental health and building a culture of kindness.
However, its robotic tone and awkward facial movements drew mixed reactions online.
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” the avatar said.
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
“I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. It’s important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone,” the AI model of Joaquin said.
The AI Joaquin spoke with Acosta about gun control, mental health and building a culture of kindness.
However, its robotic tone and awkward facial movements drew mixed reactions online.
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” the avatar said.
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
The AI Joaquin spoke with Acosta about gun control, mental health and building a culture of kindness.
However, its robotic tone and awkward facial movements drew mixed reactions online.
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” the avatar said.
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
However, its robotic tone and awkward facial movements drew mixed reactions online.
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” the avatar said.
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
“I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding,” the avatar said.
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
Acosta described the moment as “insightful” and said it felt like he was really speaking with Joaquin.
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
“It’s just a beautiful thing,” he added. Related News SAA adopts AI for faster complaints resolution BTS deepens expansion in Africa Nigeria needs its own AI policy
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
The segment also featured Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, who said the avatar is not an attempt to bring his son back but a means to amplify his legacy.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back. Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there,” he said.
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
He revealed that Joaquin’s AI avatar would continue to appear in future videos to promote gun safety awareness.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
The use of artificial intelligence to recreate the speech and likeness of the deceased remains a developing technology, often marked by imperfect visuals and audio.
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
The Guardian UK reports in May 2025 that an Arizona court heard from an AI-generated version of a man killed in a road rage incident.
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
Lawyers presented a video in which the victim’s digital avatar delivered a statement to his alleged killer, saying, “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
The judge welcomed the presentation, responding, “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness. I feel that that was genuine.”
Okiki is a journalist with over seven years experience covering politics, foreign news, society, entertainment and the film industry.
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