ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Khaby Lame's $975M AI Deal with Rich Sparkle Collapses

ai-technology · 2026-04-24

In January, TikTok star Khaby Lame signed a $975 million deal with Hong Kong-based Rich Sparkle Holdings for AI-generated videos using his likeness. Three months later, Lame has largely disavowed the company as its share price plummets. The deal, nearly a billion dollars, fell apart amid apparent disagreements and financial troubles.

Key facts

  • Khaby Lame signed a $975 million deal with Rich Sparkle Holdings in January.
  • The deal was for use of Lame's likeness in AI-generated videos.
  • Rich Sparkle Holdings is based in Hong Kong.
  • Three months later, Lame disavows the company.
  • Rich Sparkle's share price is plummeting.
  • Lame has 160 million followers on TikTok.
  • Lame is known for silent, Chaplin-esque TikTok shorts.
  • Lame is Senegalese-Italian.

Entities

Artists

  • Khaby Lame

Institutions

  • Rich Sparkle Holdings
  • TheWrap
  • MSN

Locations

  • Hong Kong
  • China

Sources