Why SZA Wants Fans To Stop Using AI

R&B superstar SZA, known for her chart-topping album SOS and hit songs like “Kill Bill,” has made a direct and serious plea to her extensive online following: please stop creating AI-generated content of her.

The Rise of AI Fan Art

As a major force in contemporary R&B, SZA has cultivated a strong relationship with her fans online, who frequently share memes and artwork inspired by the singer. Recently, a specific trend emerged involving fans posting images of themselves alongside AI-generated versions of SZA, often set against a simple white curtain backdrop. After seeing countless edits of this nature circulating, the singer decided to speak out.

SZA’s message to fans using AI on her September 19, 2025 Instagram story

A Stand Against AI: SZA's Environmental Concerns

In a series of Instagram stories posted on September 19, SZA laid out her reasoning, which goes far beyond artistic preference. She urged her followers to avoid making both AI images and songs in her likeness.

“If you f*** w me PLEASE don’t make any AI images of me or songs. Ppl and children are dying from the harm n pollution AI energy centers are creating,” she wrote.

SZA connected the use of AI technology to significant environmental pollution that she says disproportionately harms underserved communities. She argued that the energy consumption required to power these AI centers has devastating real-world consequences, making a "stupid photo" not worth the cost.

“Every time U use or prompt AI someone in a forgotten community is suffering… eventually the effects will reach everyone. By then it’ll be too late.”

Concluding her message, SZA shared some examples of the AI art she was referring to and reiterated her motivation, stating, “Yall i’m not crazy I swear. I’m just tryna save the children.”

How Fans Responded

Despite the direct call-out, SZA's fans appeared to take the message in stride. The feedback was largely positive, with one fan even joking that they would proudly wear a shirt featuring SZA's Instagram story if they ever had the chance to meet her in person.