A controversial comedy special has been released featuring the voice of legendary comedian George Carlin, who passed away in 2008. However, the voice in the special is not Carlin’s, but rather an artificial intelligence (AI) imitation. The special has caused uproar among Carlin’s family and fans who argue that it is inappropriate and disrespectful to create content using the likeness of a deceased comedian without permission.
The special was released by the YouTube account Dudesy, a podcast and AI media experiment, on January 9. The creators of Dudesy have not disclosed the company behind the AI technology, and they have not responded to requests for comment. Carlin’s daughter, Kelly Carlin-McCall, expressed her disappointment in the special, stating that her father would not have wanted his material to be performed by a machine. She also pointed out that her family was never consulted or given permission for the AI to use Carlin’s likeness.
In defense of the special, Dudesy claims that it is simply an impression of Carlin, similar to impersonations done by human comedians like Will Ferrell. However, Carlin-McCall argues that the AI’s impression falls short and believes that it is a way for Dudesy to circumvent legal issues.
This is not the first time Dudesy has faced controversy for using AI to create content featuring celebrities. Last year, they released a special hosted by an AI version of football star Tom Brady, but were issued a cease-and-desist order and removed the video.
Carlin-McCall and her family are now exploring their legal rights and are hoping for an apology and the removal of the comedy special. She emphasizes the need for comedians and artists to understand the ethical and legal implications of using AI technology in their work.
The case raises important questions about the ethical boundaries of AI-generated content and the rights of deceased artists. As AI continues to advance, it becomes crucial to establish guidelines and regulations to protect the integrity of individuals and their legacies.
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk