Bill Nighy Filmed Secretly by YouTube Prankster Using Smart Glasses
Actor expresses unease after social media influencer records him without consent using Meta's camera-equipped eyewear.
Actor Bill Nighy has become the latest public figure to be covertly filmed by a YouTube prankster utilizing Meta's smart glasses. The actor, 76, reportedly felt "unsettled" after an encounter with social media influencer Jack Jones, who was wearing the Ray-Ban smart glasses equipped with a camera.
Jones, known for his prank videos, approached Nighy outside a London cafe and engaged him in conversation, recording the interaction without the actor's explicit consent. The video was subsequently uploaded to Jones' YouTube channel, which has a substantial following. In the footage, Jones, wearing the glasses developed by the company behind Facebook, calls out to Nighy, who appears perplexed and asks for clarification. Jones then makes a lighthearted remark about Nighy being the best actor in the world before proceeding to ask personal questions.
A source close to Nighy described Jones' behavior as "very unpleasant and disrespectful." This is not the first time Jones has interacted with Nighy in a similar manner. A video posted two years prior shows Jones surprising Nighy from behind, referencing his character from the film "Shaun of the Dead." In that instance, Nighy reacted with shock and walked away, while Jones continued filming.
Jones later uploaded a video titled "Me and Bill Nighy have squashed the beef," where he presented flowers to the actor as an apology.
The use of Meta's smart glasses for filming without consent has drawn widespread criticism. These devices have reportedly been exploited by individuals for harassment and stalking, leading to them being labeled "pervert glasses." Several establishments, including pubs, theaters, and schools, have banned the eyewear.
In response to the latest video, Jones asserted that he had Nighy's consent for the recording and upload. He stated that he explained his content creation process, which he described as focusing on positive videos involving kindness. Jones maintained that his intention was not to embarrass Nighy, but rather to create positive moments and spread kindness.