Netflix is at the center of controversy after releasing its newest documentary, American Murder: The Gabby Petito Story, which has come under intense criticism for using an AI voice to recreate Gabby Petito’s voice from recordings. The employment of artificial intelligence within the documentary that documents the tragic case of the disappearance and killing of Petito has not only attracted criticism from viewers but also experts, as they wonder if it is morally right to use AI technology to retell true stories.
The use of Petito’s AI voice was employed to provide more emotional depth and realism to the documentary, infusing a sense of her voice at key points in the narrative. The audio recreation was accomplished from existing recordings and texts, and the intent was to make the viewing experience more immersive and interactive for the viewer. But the action has come under strong criticism from the public, who argue that applying AI to synthesize the voice of a real person—particularly in a very high-profile and sensitive matter like Petito’s—is an unethical practice.
Netflix, reacting to the mounting backlash, released a statement in its defense. The firm declared that the purpose was never to capitalize on the tragedy but instead to honor Petito’s memory and bring her life to life in a manner that could appeal to audiences. Netflix also asserted that the voice, which was created using artificial intelligence, was developed with great care and respect after consulting with Petito’s family to make sure that the representation was well thought out.
In spite of these assurances, the backlash has persisted, with many contending that the application of AI to replicate a dead person’s voice in this public and emotional setting threatens to cross a boundary between dignified storytelling and exploitation. Critics cite the ethical issue of applying technology to create simulations of actual people, especially without their permission. Others have also raised concerns that the practices could cause additional problems of privacy and emotional distress, especially for the loved ones and families of those in high-profile cases.
The debate on the use of AI in documentaries will only heat up in the coming years as technology advances, raising difficult questions about how media companies handle sensitive content. While AI voice technology holds enormous potential for filmmaking and TV ingenuity, its application to actual tragedies may face stricter ethical scrutiny.
With the controversy ongoing, Netflix faces pressure to react to popular backlash and determine the implications of using AI in upcoming productions, especially with regard to depicting real-world tragedies. This debate forms part of the broader social narrative of where innovation with artificial intelligence is acceptable for creative industries and where media companies have a responsibility to balance innovation with respect for the individuals and families involved.
