John Waters says he'd use AI to cure cancer but never to write

• Waters said he would use AI to cure cancer but never to write
• He admitted AI-generated pornography looks "too good" and put him off
• Trump signed an executive order giving government 30-day access to new AI models

Filmmaker and cult director John Waters has declared he would never use artificial intelligence to help him write — comparing AI-generated prose to a poor first draft — as he prepares to host his Mosswood Meltdown punk festival in Oakland from 17 to 19 July.

Waters shared his views in a recent interview with Billboard, in which he was asked about AI's place in the creative process.

'I would use AI to cure cancer'

Waters, widely known as the Pope of Trash, was unambiguous about where he draws the line. "Not to help me write. I would use AI to cure cancer," he told Billboard. "But not to write, no. I saw something that was written supposedly for me by AI, and it was just like a really bad first draft — but yes, it was a first draft."

He also addressed his earlier assumptions about AI-generated adult content, admitting they did not hold up. "To me, no. I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't know how to do it even if I wanted to," he said. "I think I always thought it would be good for pornography, but you can tell. It looks too good. I thought I would like it but I don't. It looks too good."

AI remains a flashpoint in Hollywood

Waters' remarks come as the debate over AI's role in the entertainment industry continues to intensify. SAG-AFTRA has endorsed the Trump administration's AI policy framework, which calls on Congress to pass legislation covering parental controls, intellectual property rights protection, First Amendment protections, expanded AI workforce development, the right for data centres to generate their own power, and the removal of legal barriers limiting AI innovation.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump also signed an executive order establishing a voluntary framework under which AI companies would provide the government with access to new models for a 30-day review period prior to their public release.