SAG-AFTRA Condemns AI “Actress” Tilly Norwood Amid Hollywood Backlash

SAG-AFTRA has condemned the rise of AI-generated performers after the debut of “Tilly Norwood,” an artificial actress created by AI studio Xicoia. In a strongly worded statement, the union said Tilly “is not an actor” and warned that synthetic creations trained on the work of professional performers without pay or consent threaten both livelihoods and artistic integrity.

“‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor, it’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers — without permission or compensation. It has no life experience to draw from, no emotion and, from what we’ve seen, audiences aren’t interested in watching computer-generated content untethered from the human experience. It doesn’t solve any ‘problem.’ It creates the problem of using stolen performances to put actors out of work, jeopardizing performer livelihoods and devaluing human artistry.” — SAG-AFTRA

The statement read. SAG-AFTRA linked the controversy to the 2023 strikes, where protections against AI replacement were a central demand.

Actors and Audiences React

The backlash has been swift. Whoopi Goldberg called the AI creation gross. While Melissa Barrera accused its makers of “stealing the faces of hundreds of young women.” Ralph Ineson, recently cast as Galactus in Marvel’s Fantastic Four, posted a blunt “F*** off.” Kiersey Clemons warned that synthetic performers strip away human connection, a view echoed online, where users urged guild-wide boycotts.

These reactions highlight a broad consensus: audiences and performers alike value human-centered creativity. Posts criticizing Tilly have drawn tens of thousands of interactions, suggesting little appetite for AI-driven entertainment.

Creator Defends Project

Eline Van der Velden, who developed Tilly, defended the creation as “a piece of art” meant to inspire discussion, not replace humans. Some industry voices, such as Verena Puhm, argue studios should experiment with AI projects, predicting 2026 will be “an interesting year.” Yet these views remain a minority, drowned out by overwhelming opposition.

The debate over Tilly Norwood exposes deep fractures in how Hollywood views technology. While a handful see AI as a new creative tool, unions, stars, and much of the public view it as a direct assault on human artistry and labor rights.