Stand-up comedian Julia Jasunas was flabbergasted when an AI-generated video of a leonine-featured blonde appropriated her joke, down to the “ums” and “ahs.” The video, complete with a skimpy outfit and better production quality, garnered more attention than Jasunas’s original.

The issue is not limited to Jasunas. WIRED identified eight comics targeted by similar AI-generated accounts, often copying viral stand-up clips and boosting them with improved visuals and skintight outfits. These accounts even post interviews with AI-generated hosts and edgy jokes that can be offensive.

Meta’s response to the complaints was that the AI-generated content did not violate community guidelines, as the accounts were not pretending to be real people. However, comics are calling for better protections for original content. Mandy Martino, another affected comedian, argues that rules are needed to address the rapid evolution of AI technology.

The phenomenon highlights the need for clearer guidelines on AI-generated content and raises questions about the ethics of using AI to boost existing content. For comics, the issue goes beyond just the theft of jokes—it’s about the commercial exploitation of their work.