Esther Yu’s camp has recently slammed the illegal use of the singer-actress’ voice and likeness in AI-generated content.
The whole issue sparked after a netizen posted a video of an AI short drama, saying that users found that the character’s facial features were highly similar to Esther’s, and that the voice used seemed to be a direct synthesis of her unique voice.
It was also revealed that the AI-generated content is not limited to a single short drama; as it appears extensively in AI cartoons and short videos. Some viewers commented that five out of ten shows feature a character that has Esther’s voice, and that some of the costumes even directly use her look from her previous dramas.
In response to the issue, the actress’ studio released a statement, saying, “Ms. Esther Yu has never participated in the filming or recording of any AI-generated content, and we have never granted any organisation, platform, or individual authorisation for the use of her image and voice in AI. All AI-generated dramas and short videos on the market that forcibly use her image and voice are illegal and infringing products.”
“We strongly urge all video creators and publishing platforms suspected of infringement to immediately cease all infringing activities and completely remove and permanently delete all related synthetic images and audio content. Currently, we have comprehensively collected and preserved evidence of the infringing content on the market. For any entity that ignores this statement, attempts to evade responsibility, or refuses to remove the infringing content, we will resort to legal proceedings to resolutely defend Ms. Yu Shuxin’s legitimate rights and interests.”
(Photo Source: Esther Yu IG, SINA)