AI-Generated George Carlin Comedy Routine Removed: A Look at Fake Humor's Impact

The estate of renowned comedian George Carlin has successfully settled a lawsuit regarding an AI-generated comedy special that improperly utilized his likeness. Filed in late January, the lawsuit targeted podcasters Will Sasso and Chad Kultgen, who created a special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead” and posted it on YouTube, where it amassed over 500,000 views. The lawsuit claimed copyright infringement and violations of publicity rights.

As per the settlement agreement submitted to a California court, the podcasters have committed to permanently removing the special from their platforms and are prohibited from using Carlin’s image, voice, or likeness without explicit written consent from his estate. Specific terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. The lawsuit emphasized that the defendants lacked permission to use Carlin’s likeness or any of his copyrighted materials for the AI-generated special. It characterized the work as “click-bait generated by a computer,” asserting that it tarnished Carlin’s legacy.

Joshua Schiller from the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, who represented Carlin’s estate, indicated that this settlement could set a precedent for future cases involving infringement of artistic rights through AI technology. Schiller remarked on the increasing recognition of both the benefits and risks inherent in AI tools, which have the capability to mimic voices, create artificial images, and manipulate video content. He stressed the necessity for decisive legal actions to address these issues and called for accountability among AI software companies whose technologies can be misused.

Kelly Carlin, George Carlin's daughter, expressed her relief at the swift resolution, commending the defendants for their responsible actions in removing the video. She used the opportunity to highlight the broader implications of this case, stating, “While it is a shame that this happened at all, I hope this case serves as a warning about the dangers posed by AI technologies and the need for appropriate safeguards not just for artists and creatives, but for everyone.”

Although George Carlin passed away in 2008, the emergence of this AI-generated comedy special has sparked significant discussions about the ethical use of technology in recreating the likenesses of deceased individuals. Earlier this year, Kelly Carlin voiced her concerns on Twitter, asserting that these AI-generated products are merely an attempt to replicate a unique mind that can never be recreated.

The rising trend of using AI to generate content featuring the likenesses of celebrities has become a major concern for actors, especially in the context of ongoing labor disputes in Hollywood. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) is addressing these issues through new contractual agreements ensuring that actors are compensated for the use of their AI-generated representations in film and television projects.