A viral trend of generating Studio Ghibli-inspired AI art using OpenAI’s GPT-4o has sparked controversy, with fans and critics raising concerns over copyright infringement and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

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Over the past few days, hundreds of thousands of users have shared AI-generated Ghibli-style images on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). The trend gained momentum after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman updated his profile picture to a Ghibli-style portrait, endorsing what some are calling the “Ghiblification” of AI art.

However, the trend has not been well received by everyone. Critics argue that the AI model is unfairly trained on copyrighted material, devaluing the work of real artists. One X user questioned, “Do you truly value art so little that it’s just a filter for your profile pic?” Others called for supporting original artists rather than relying on AI.

Adding to the controversy, some users have used the AI tool to generate Studio Ghibli-style depictions of historical tragedies, including the 9/11 attacks, the Babri Masjid demolition, and the assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump. “With #Ghibli style, even scary events look like cozy art,” wrote one user, highlighting the potential for AI to trivialize sensitive subjects.

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The backlash has reignited discussions on AI’s impact on creative industries, with many referencing a viral clip of Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, where he condemned AI-generated content, calling it an “insult to life itself.”