Actress Mckenna Grace reportedly declined to sign an AI-generated portrait of herself at a promotional event in Mexico City on Friday, 13 November. After a fan presented the photo for her signature, she reportedly responded in Spanish, translated as, 'That's AI; I'm not going to sign it. Sorry.'
On 14 November, several X accounts posted images of the actress with the portrait and described her response. An 18-second TikTok video offers additional context, showing Grace examining the photograph and reacting with surprise. However, she was later seen signing other photographs, indicating her refusal was specific to AI-generated images rather than autographs overall.
The video drew widespread support from viewers, with many praising Grace for her stance. One fan wrote, 'The audacity in bringing an AI-generated photo to someone and then expecting them to autograph it...'
Grace Previously Spoke About AI-Generated Content
The incident follows Grace's earlier comments about her discomfort with AI-generated content and editing. The actress, who has previously participated in fan-edit culture, distinguished between appreciating online creativity and feeling discomfort with certain content during a Teen Vogue interview.
When asked which types of online posts prompt her to disengage from social media, she identified AI-generated content. She added that she considers online fan culture 'silly and fun,' noting her prior experience managing a fan edit account.
'But for me it's more, like, the only things that make me wanna log off the internet, are, you know, things get really scary on the internet. Or very hateful,' she explained. 'It's more so just how, like, weird things can get with, like, AI or editing or hateful comments.'
She then acknowledged the creative side of online fandom. However, she subsequently expressed concerns about AI-generated content and celebrity portrayals.
Actress Attended Mexico City Fan Event With Joseph Zada
Grace's reported refusal came during her 13 November promotional appearance in Mexico City for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, alongside co-star Joseph Zada. Despite heavy rain, hundreds of fans gathered with umbrellas, books, posters, and handmade artwork to meet the cast.
According to Excélsior, Grace thanked the crowd for their warm welcome during her first visit to Mexico City. She also discussed her family connection to the country, noting that her great-grandmother, María Gómez, was born in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León.
She also recalled spending part of her childhood in Laredo. When asked about Spanish songs she knew, she performed parts of the Mexican children's song 'Pin Pon'.
Mckenna Grace's gorgeous hair and makeup for the second day of press in Mexico City yesterday. pic.twitter.com/YpDyIc2vw3
— mckenna grace files ⋆.𐙚 ̊ (@mckennafiles) November 14, 2026
Grace Plays Maysilee Donner in 'Hunger Games' Prequel
In The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Grace portrays Maysilee Donner, a District 12 tribute who allies with Haymitch Abernathy. The story follows their participation in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, where each district must send twice the usual number of tributes.
Francis Lawrence directed the film, having previously helmed several instalments in The Hunger Games franchise. Its cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Plemons, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Elle Fanning. The prequel is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and takes place 24 years before the events of the original The Hunger Games film.
It is scheduled to open in UK cinemas on 18 November 2026.
