Jim Acosta, the disgraced former CNN anchor who was fired earlier this year, has launched his own podcast with a disturbing episode where he interviews the artificial voice of a high school student killed in a school shooting.

In a surreal clip circulating on social media, Acosta can be seen speaking with an AI version of Joaquin Oliver, the 17-year-old killed in the 2018 Parkland, Florida school shooting. On screen, a headshot of Oliver was artificially brought to life as he blinks and tells Acosta about what his purported solution to American’s roiling debate about how to end a yearslong streak of school shootings.

“Joaquin, I would like to know what your solution would be for gun violence,” Acosta asks his AI guest.

The automation replies, “Great question. I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections to ensure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding.”

WATCH:

Acosta was laid off in January after CNN executives determined that he was a vulnerability for the network as it sought to realign its coverage of the incoming Trump administration. Insiders said they were “dismayed” by the way CNN unceremoniously ended Acosta’s “Newsroom” show, which he had hosted since 2023.

“Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go, it’s him,” said another insider, adding, “It’s sad to see him go.”

Rather than accept a midnight slot, Acosta struck out on his own, launching an online show that is garnering headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Elsewhere in the faux interview, Acosta asked Oliver what happened to him.

“I appreciate your curiosity,” Oliver answered in a monotone, robotic voice. “I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. It’s important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone.” The avatar’s narration is stilted and computerized. The movements of its face and mouth are jerky and unnatural, looking more like a dub-over than an actual person talking.

Before the episode debuted, Acosta teased it as a “show you don’t want to miss” and a “one of a kind interview.” The former CNN correspondent now describes himself as an independent journalist.

Online, angry viewers lashed out at Acosta for failing to speak with actual survivors or recent school schootings.

“There are living survivors of school shootings you could interview, and it would really be their words and thoughts instead of completely made-up,” one person replied to Acosta, the Guardian reported.