The estate of late comedian George Carlin and comedy podcast Dudesy have reached a settlement after the media company was sued for its use of Carlin's voice and likeness in an artificially generated comedy special released earlier this year.
In January, Carlin's estate sued Dudesy, which features comedian Will Sasso and podcaster Chad Kutger, shortly after the special was released on YouTube. Carlin's daughter, Kelly Carlin, said Sasso and Kutger did not receive permission for using Carlin's voice and likeness for their AI special.
Carlin's estate was seeking unspecified damages along with the removal of the hour-long special titled, George Carlin: I'm Glad I'm Dead, per the settlement. As of Wednesday, the YouTube special has been removed, though other users have since posted the special.
"None of the Defendants had permission to use Carlin’s likeness for the AI-generated ‘George Carlin Special,’ nor did they have a license to use any of the late comedian’s copyrighted materials," the lawsuit stated.
WATCH:
"I am grateful that the defendants acted responsibly by swiftly removing the video they made," Carlin's daughter said of the settlement. "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 every human on earth."
She continued:I understand and share the desire for more George Carlin. I, too, want more time with my father. But it is ridiculous to proclaim he has been ‘resurrected’ with AI. The ‘George Carlin’ in that video is not the beautiful human who defined his generation and raised me with love. It is a poorly-executed facsimile cobbled together by unscrupulous individuals to capitalize on the extraordinary goodwill my father established with his adoring fanbase.
"This is going to be a fight on every front, with entertainment at the center," Kelly added, insisting a line must be drawn.
The settlement is currently awaiting a judge's approval. Carlin, who passed away in 2008, is considered one of the most influential stand-up comedians of all time. The late comedian’s material frequently commented on human psychology, the English language, religion, government and a number of taboo subjects. Along with his 14 stand-up comedy specials, Carlin made multiple appearances on late-night television programs like The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live. The comedian was also featured in a series of films, including Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and its sequel Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. Carlin was also featured in several films from writer and director Kevin Smith, including Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and Jersey Girl. Carlin briefly starred in his own sitcom, The George Carlin Show, in which the comedian played a New York City taxi driver. The show ran for two seasons in 1994 and 1995.
