George Carlin’s Estate Reaches Settlement in Case Against Creators of AI Comedy Special
George Carlin’s estate has announced that it has reached a settlement with the creators of a comedy special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead,” which falsely claimed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate the late comedian. In the proposed settlement awaiting approval by a Central District of California judge, the creators of the special have agreed to a permanent prohibition from sharing the hour-long YouTube video on any of their platforms. They have also agreed to never again use Carlin’s image, voice, or likeness, unless expressly approved by his estate.
Resolving the Case
Lawyer Joshua Schiller, representing Carlin’s estate, expressed the intention to resolve the case swiftly with the removal of the offending videos from the internet. Schiller emphasized the significance of this settlement by stating, “This settlement is a great outcome for our clients and will serve as a blueprint for resolving similar disputes going forward where an artist or public figure has their rights infringed by AI technology.”
The Deceptive Comedy Special
Released on YouTube in January, the fake Carlin comedy special aroused significant backlash from Carlin’s loyal fanbase. Consolidated under the moniker of “Dudesy,” the purported AI engine claimed to have meticulously curated Carlin’s material and replicate his renowned voice, cadence, attitude, and preferred subjects of social commentary.
Skepticism and Legal Action
Despite the creators’ assertions that the special was generated entirely by AI, many viewers expressed doubt. Carlin’s estate filed a lawsuit on January 25, naming the podcast’s hosts, Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen, alongside Dudesy LLC and 20 unidentified individuals engaged with the special. The lawsuit alleged “an unlawful appropriation of Carlin’s identity” through the utilization of Carlin’s extensive catalogue to train the AI. At the time of this article’s publication, Sasso and Kultgen have not responded to requests for comment.
A Victory for Carlin’s Legacy
Carlin’s daughter, Kelly Carlin, expressed satisfaction with the prompt settlement and the removal of the video. In a statement, she conveyed her hope that this case would serve as a cautionary tale concerning the perils posed by AI technologies, stressing the importance of establishing adequate safeguards not only for artists and creatives, but for all individuals worldwide.
