Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly criticized Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, over its legal challenge to Minnesota's new law designed to stop AI-generated nude and sexualized deepfake images. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement on their official Sussex website expressing concern that "Big Tech" is prioritizing profits over protecting vulnerable people from predatory AI tools.

What Is Grok and Why Are Harry and Meghan Speaking Out?

Grok is an AI-powered chatbot built by xAI, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company. The couple's statement specifically referenced Musk as "the trillionaire leader of the tech company responsible for X's Grok," highlighting their concern about the platform's deepfake capabilities. Harry and Meghan argued that xAI is "mitigating risk to their bottom line instead of aggressively responding to the clear evidence their product features are enabling predators to prey on women and children".

The couple's criticism centers on xAI's legal challenge to Minnesota's HF 1606 law, which was signed by Governor Tim Walz. This legislation bans apps and websites from allowing users to create AI-generated nude or sexualized images of real people without permission. Violations can result in fines of up to $500,000 per violation, and both victims and the state's attorney general have the power to take legal action.

What Legal Cases Have Involved Grok and Deepfakes?

Harry and Meghan referenced several lawsuits that have been filed against Grok. These cases include claims from UK Labour MP Jess Asato, an Arkansas family, and five children from Tennessee, who alleged that the AI chatbot generated sexually explicit content involving them without consent. Asato claimed that AI-generated images and videos showing her in explicit and degrading situations were created and shared without her permission, illustrating the real-world harm that such technology can cause.

The legal disputes underscore a growing concern about how AI tools can be weaponized to create non-consensual intimate imagery. These cases have drawn attention from high-profile figures like Harry and Meghan, who have historically advocated for privacy and protection from invasive media practices.

How Is xAI Defending Its Position?

According to court documents reviewed by Newsweek, xAI acknowledges that it supports banning non-consensual AI-generated explicit images. However, the company argues that Minnesota's law is too broad in scope. xAI contends that it already blocks such content and should not be held liable if users manage to bypass its safeguards.

The company sought a temporary injunction to stop the law before it took effect, but U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank rejected the request. The judge noted that xAI filed its challenge only a few days before the law came into effect, despite the law having been signed months earlier. A hearing on xAI's request for a longer-term injunction is scheduled for August 19 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

What Other States Have Passed Similar Protections?

Harry and Meghan welcomed Minnesota's new law and praised similar legislation passed in other states to protect citizens from non-consensual deepfakes. The couple highlighted protective laws in the following jurisdictions:

• Pennsylvania: Has passed legislation addressing AI-generated explicit imagery without consent
• North Dakota: Enacted protections against non-consensual deepfake creation and distribution
• California: Implemented laws to combat AI-generated intimate images created without permission
• Minnesota: Signed HF 1606, which bans creation of non-consensual AI-generated nude or sexualized images

These state-level efforts reflect growing recognition that AI deepfake technology poses a genuine threat to personal safety and dignity, particularly for women and children.

Why Does This Matter Beyond the Legal Battle?

The conflict between xAI and state legislatures highlights a broader tension in the AI industry between innovation and accountability. As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, regulators are moving to establish guardrails against misuse. Harry and Meghan's public statement amplifies concerns that some major AI companies are resisting these protections rather than embracing them as industry standards.

The couple's involvement signals that deepfake concerns are no longer confined to academic discussions or niche policy debates. When high-profile figures speak out, it often accelerates public awareness and political pressure for stronger regulations. The August 19 hearing in Minnesota will be a critical moment in determining whether courts will uphold state-level protections against non-consensual AI-generated explicit imagery or side with tech companies arguing that such laws are overly restrictive.