Scammers using AI to impersonate Sir Billy Connolly

Sir Billy Connolly has warned fans that scammers are using artificial intelligence to impersonate him online.

The Scottish comedian and actor - affectionately known as The Big Yin - said his wife Pamela Stephenson had also been targeted.

In a message on his website, the 82-year-old said: "Dear friends, I have learned that, unfortunately, online scam artists are targeting my fans and supporters.

"They are impersonating me, often reaching out to fans soliciting direct messaging.

"They create multiple deceptive social media and email accounts, and there could well be criminal intent."

Sir Billy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2013, said his official Facebook page is his only social media account - alongside his website, billyconnolly.com.

He warned: "I do not have an Instagram, X, Snapchat, Telegram or any other social media account.

"I never interact directly with fans or supporters, and would never suggest they direct message me, meet me, send me money or purchase goods directly.

"I do not sell memberships, fan cards, meetings. I will never suggest meeting personally or ask for personal information.

"If you are asked for any of the above, it is a scam. My likeness and the sound of my voice can be created by AI... so beware!"

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Criminals can use cloning technology to replicate a person's voice from just a few seconds of audio, which can be easily captured from a video someone has uploaded online or to social media.

Deepfake images of celebrities are often used in scams - and fake adverts featuring public figures were the most reported scam adverts reported to the Advertising Standards Authority in 2024.

Sir Billy, who was knighted in 2017 for services to entertainment and charity, announced his retirement from live performances in 2018.

As well as his stand-up shows, he has starred in a number of films - including Mrs Brown alongside Judi Dench, The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise, and Gulliver's Travels with Jack Black.

He has also voiced a number of animated characters, including King Fergus in Pixar's Brave.

Despite his medical condition, the comic has continued to record programmes and make TV appearances.

His most recent projects include TV shows such as 2018's Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland, Billy Connolly's Great American Trail in 2019 and Billy Connolly Does... which began airing in 2022.