Chanel CEO Leena Nair Critiques ChatGPT for Gender Bias in AI-Generated Image

Chanel CEO Calls Out AI Bias After ChatGPT Generates All-Male Leadership Image

In a striking revelation, Leena Nair, the global CEO of Chanel, has criticized OpenAI’s ChatGPT for producing a gender-biased image that depicted the luxury brand’s senior leadership team as entirely male. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about bias in artificial intelligence, particularly in high-profile sectors like fashion.

During an interview with the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Nair recounted her experience testing ChatGPT’s image-generation capabilities at Microsoft’s headquarters. “We asked for a picture of a senior leadership team from Chanel visiting Microsoft, and it was all men in suits,” she stated, expressing her disbelief at the output. “It was a 100% male team, not even in fashionable clothes. Like, come on. This is what you’ve got to offer?”

Nair, who became Chanel’s second female CEO in 2022, emphasized the stark contrast between the AI-generated image and reality. With 76% of Chanel’s employees being women and 96% of its customers female, the portrayal was not only inaccurate but also indicative of a broader issue of gender representation in AI.

In response to Nair’s comments, an OpenAI spokesperson acknowledged the challenge of addressing bias in AI systems. “We are continuously iterating on our models to reduce bias and mitigate harmful outputs,” the spokesperson said.

This incident is not isolated. A 2023 UCLA study found that AI systems often used more authoritative language for men while relegating women to descriptors focused on beauty and charm. Additionally, a 2024 University of California study revealed that GPT models displayed more stereotyping when users employed certain dialects.

Despite these challenges, Nair remains committed to integrating AI into Chanel’s operations. “AI is everywhere, yes, and it’s going to be transformative in our world, so luxury has to engage with it,” she asserted. She stressed the importance of maintaining ethics and integrity in AI development, urging tech leaders to adopt a more humanistic approach.

As the conversation around AI bias continues, Nair’s call for change serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with technological advancement, particularly in industries that shape cultural narratives.