Hollywood Actors Union Condemns AI Actress Tilly Norwood Amid Industry Backlash

SAG-AFTRA, the prominent actors' union, has publicly criticized Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress developed by London-based Xicoia. The union asserts that Norwood "is not an actor" but a computer-generated character trained on the work of human performers without consent or compensation. Creator Eline Van der Velden defends the project as a "new paintbrush" for creativity, not a replacement for human talent.

The backlash highlights growing tensions in the entertainment industry as AI tools encroach on traditional roles. High-profile entertainers have joined the fray, labeling AI-generated content as "scary" and devoid of genuine emotional connection. Meanwhile, Van der Velden claims multiple talent agencies have expressed interest in the synthetic performer.