Robin Williams’ three children, Zak, Zelda and Cody Williams, pulled their dad’s Instagram account out of dormancy on Aug. 17.
“As we recognize what would be our Dad’s 75th year, we’re grateful to see new generations discovering his work while longtime fans continue to celebrate the joy he brought into their lives,” they wrote in a post. “As technology evolves, we want this to be a safe, trusted place where the stories, photos, videos and memories shared reflect his legacy with authenticity, warmth and care.”
They say they’ve done this to honor their father and his work and hope he continues to inspire people with his humor even after death.
Williams died on Aug. 11, 2014, from suicide. The Williams children have been outspoken against the AI misuse of their father’s likeness. Previously, Zelda pleaded with people to stop making them, WCNC reported.
She said seeing AI recreate her father’s voice is “personally disturbing” and that the issue extends “far beyond my own feelings.”
Related: Robin Williams’ Son Shares Touching Message for Others Grieving a Loss: ‘You’re Not Alone’
Approximately one hour after the Williams family released the post, Zelda apologized to her own followers for incidentally “triggering” anyone.
“Believe me, I know it’s a little strange,” she said. “But making that space into one where people can find authentic clips and photos of him is one of the best ways we’ve now found to fight back against rampant AI abuse of his voice and likeness on here. Might be a drop in the bucket, but we’re trying.”
Last year, Zak said his father’s purpose was to make him feel as though they are seen.
“He gave permission to feel deeply and to laugh through the pain. In his absence, that mission continues,” he said. “So today, I hold close the idea that the best way to honor those we love is to live the values they stood for. To lead with service and compassion. To lift others when they’re down. And to find paths of light, even in the dark corners.”
Shortly after Robin passed in 2014, Cody expressed that he had tremendous love and respect for him.
“I will miss him and take him with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life, and will look forward, forever, to the moment when I get to see him again,” he said.
At the time, Zelda said she would never understand why her father could not have mustered the strength to “stay.”
Twelve years later, it’s clear that this family is still torn open by Robin’s death and wants him remembered as he was — not how he could have been.
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