US EditionSAG-AFTRA files unfair labor practice charge over use of AI to make Darth Vader’s voice in Fortnite
- On Monday, SAG-AFTRA filed a labor complaint against Llama Productions for allegedly replacing actors with AI-created versions of Darth Vader’s voice in Fortnite without informing the union.
- The charge follows over six months of Llama Productions making unilateral changes and failing to bargain in good faith amid a year-long negotiation breakdown on AI use in interactive media.
- Llama Productions, owned by Epic Games, implemented an AI voice that can join Fortnite squads and speak as Darth Vader, replacing the work of human actors who previously matched the character's iconic voice.
- SAG-AFTRA emphasized the importance of securing their ability to negotiate contractual terms regarding the deployment of voices that substitute the performances of their members, underscoring key issues fueling the ongoing interactive media strike since July 2024.
- The National Labor Relations Board may review the charge and potentially order remedies, but such cases typically take months or years while the strike continues over unresolved AI protections in gaming contracts.
170 Articles
170 Articles
Darth Vader's AI "Fortnite" Appearance Sparks Legal Complaint
The great James Earl Jones died last year, but his legacy continues in ways that go beyond the usual archive associated with an actor of such range and talent. In 2022, news emerged that he had signed off on a deal that would allow AI to replicate his voice — specifically, his voice as the Star Wars character Darth Vader. And while you might think that would largely show up in Star Wars movies and television shows, it’s another media appearance …
Actors Union Files Complaint Against Fortnite Over AI Darth Vader That's Been Spewing Racism, Homophobia, And More With James Earl Jones' Voice
fortnite AI darth vader Fortnite introduced an AI-powered Darth Vader model that can respond to the voices of speaking players, and it’s going about as well as you’d expect. As soon as the AI Darth Vader was rolled out, Fortnite players immediately began manipulating it into saying offensive phrases such as curse words and homophobic slurs, or complete nonsense like “skibidi rizz.” extended 1080p version that is now just over 50 seconds of fort…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
