Jeremy Scott Rips Up AI Speech at May 16 Graduation, Winning Cheers
Updated
Updated · Business Insider · May 23
Jeremy Scott Rips Up AI Speech at May 16 Graduation, Winning Cheers
3 articles · Updated · Business Insider · May 23
Jeremy Scott opened his May 16 Kansas City Art Institute commencement with AI-written platitudes, then revealed the text was machine-generated and tore it up to loud applause.
Scott used the stunt to argue AI cannot produce original ideas or judge what is truly unique, saying artists' passion makes their role more urgent as the technology spreads.
That message landed as graduates face AI reshaping entry-level work, hiring practices and layoffs, with at least a dozen major companies citing AI-driven efficiency in job cuts this year.
Recent commencement audiences have reacted far more negatively to pro-AI remarks, booing former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and others, while Steve Wozniak won cheers by praising "actual intelligence."
Is AI the ultimate creative partner that frees human artists, or a machine that devalues their unique passion?
As AI automates entry-level work, is the 'learning by doing' career path for young professionals becoming extinct?
50% of Americans Are More Concerned Than Excited About AI: How the Class of 2026 Faces a Dismal Job Market and Fights for Human Creativity
Overview
Jeremy Scott's commencement address at the Kansas City Art Institute in May 2026 made a strong impression by starting with a dramatic rejection of an AI-generated speech. This bold move set the stage for his main message: human creativity is irreplaceable and urgently needed in a world shaped by artificial intelligence. Scott challenged AI’s creative abilities, stating that AI cannot generate original ideas or judge the quality of concepts. He highlighted that human artists have passion, a quality that sets them apart from AI, and emphasized the unique and essential role of artists in today’s society.