Mashed up mess

The people behind the AI version of the legendary standup comic, did his legacy no favors with that mashed up mess they put together.

George Carlin

The late George Carlin, renowned as one of the greatest comedians, is currently in the spotlight due to a controversial hour-long YouTube special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad I’m Dead.” This special, created by the comedy AI “Dudesy,” features an AI-generated impersonation of Carlin, which has sparked anger among his fans and his daughter, Kelly Carlin.

Dudesy, a self-proclaimed “comedy AI,” is part of a podcast and YouTube show with Chad Kultgen and actor Will Sasso. The AI’s creators claim it’s the first of its kind, exploring whether AIs can be creative and perform comedy. However, the use of Carlin’s impersonation in this way has been heavily criticized.

Kelly Carlin condemned the special, emphasizing that her father’s unique talent and human essence can’t be replicated by a machine. She encouraged fans to watch Carlin’s original specials for an authentic experience. The video from Dudesy clarifies that the content is an impersonation, likening it to famous impersonations by Andy Kaufman or Will Ferrell, but critics, including film critic Richard Roeper, strongly disagreed with this comparison.

The controversy extends beyond Carlin’s legacy. It touches on broader legal and ethical issues surrounding AI and copyright, as seen in recent lawsuits against AI companies for using copyrighted work without permission. The Carlin estate, for instance, did not authorize Dudesy to use Carlin’s works.

While some see the AI impersonation as a form of art that could draw more attention to Carlin’s work, Kelly Carlin is more concerned about preserving her father’s legacy and reputation. This situation underscores the complex and evolving challenges of AI in the realm of creativity and intellectual property.