- SAG-AFTRA has filed a labor complaint against Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games, for using Artificial Intelligence to replace Fortnite voice actors without union approval.
- The union’s complaint follows reports that an AI-generated Darth Vader in Fortnite used offensive language.
- SAG-AFTRA claims Llama Productions did not inform or negotiate with the union before making the AI change, which it alleges breaks labor agreements.
- If a violation is found, Llama Productions may have to rehire affected employees and pay back wages.
- The case brings focus to the ongoing dispute over AI’s role in replacing human performers in the entertainment industry.
On Monday, the union SAG-AFTRA filed a labor complaint with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board against Llama Productions, part of Epic Games, after the company replaced Fortnite video game voice actors with artificial intelligence without bargaining with the union. The complaint comes after an incident in which an AI-generated version of Darth Vader used racial slurs and offensive language in the hit game.
According to SAG-AFTRA, Llama Productions used AI to recreate Darth Vader’s voice for Fortnite’s “Galactic Battles” event without notifying or negotiating with the union, violating established labor practices. A union spokesperson told Decrypt, “We became aware when the press release hit the wires.”
The unfair labor practice charge states that Llama Productions unilaterally changed terms and conditions of employment by using AI-generated voices instead of union voice actors. SAG-AFTRA argues that any shift from human work to AI in union-covered roles requires negotiation. The union said, “This charge concerns the union’s critical role in negotiating terms concerning the replacement of bargaining unit work with Ai technology.” So far, Epic Games has not responded to the charges or to requests for comment.
If the National Labor Relations Board finds a violation, Llama Productions could be required to reinstate displaced actors and provide back pay, and would have to inform workers about their rights and the case outcome. However, the board cannot impose any fines.
This complaint is part of larger union actions, with voice actors striking over AI use in video games since July 2024. The union expressed that it supports the rights of members and their estates to control use of their likeness and voices but insists on protecting bargaining rights, even for actors who have licensed their voices, such as the late James Earl Jones for Darth Vader. Other well-known figures whose voices have been licensed posthumously to AI developers include Judy Garland, Jimmy Stewart, James Dean, and Jerry Garcia.
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