Netflix docuseries uses AI-generated voice to recreate Gabby Petito's narration
Netflix's February 2024 docuseries 'American Murder: Gabby Petito' used AI voice recreation technology to narrate the victim's journal entries, obtaining family permission but sparking backlash for being potentially disrespectful and raising ethical questions about AI use in true crime narratives.
What happened
Netflix's three-part docuseries 'American Murder: Gabby Petito', which premiered on February 17, 2024, used voice recreation technology to narrate Gabby Petito's journal entries and text messages in her own voice.
The filmmakers obtained permission from Petito's family before using the AI-generated voice, which was described as 'a little off' by Petito's mother.
Reported impact
The decision to use the AI-generated voice sparked ethical debates and backlash, with some viewers feeling uncomfortable. The use was criticized as potentially disrespectful to the victim's memory.
The incident raised questions about the appropriate use of AI in portraying real-life tragedies and about the psychological impact on victims' families and viewers.
Index analysis
The filmmakers stated they wanted to tell Petito's story through her own words to bring her writings to life and enhance emotional impact, working with extensive material including journals and documented trips provided by the family.
The fracas highlights growing ethical challenges surrounding the use of AI in media, specifically in true crime narratives, and raises questions about consent, representation, and the potential impact on victims' families.
Governance controls
The filmmakers reached out to the family to obtain their blessing before involving voice recreation technology and worked to represent the content as it was written.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.