Peppa Pig Owner Hasbro Faces Backlash After Reportedly Trying to Force Child Actors to Sign Away AI Voice Rights
Hasbro, the owner of the Peppa Pig franchise since 2019, is reportedly requiring child actors to sign new contracts that would permit the company to reproduce their voices using artificial intelligence. This move has sparked significant backlash from industry organizations focused on performer protection.
The controversy came to light following an open letter from the Agents of Young Performers Association, which flagged concerns about studios using children’s voice performances in AI reproductions without explicit consent. While the letter did not initially name the franchise involved, subsequent reporting by Deadline identified Peppa Pig as the subject of these negotiations.
The situation raises important questions about child performer rights and the use of AI technology in media production. Child actors are a protected class in entertainment, with strict regulations governing their work and compensation. The requirement to sign away voice rights—particularly for AI reproduction—represents a significant expansion of how their performances might be used without additional compensation or oversight.
Peppa Pig, originally a popular British children’s television series, has been a major asset for Hasbro since its acquisition. The company’s interest in AI-voiced versions of characters appears designed to expand the franchise’s reach and reduce future production costs.
The backlash reflects growing industry concerns about AI use in entertainment, particularly regarding how AI technology impacts performers and whether existing contracts adequately protect their interests. This situation highlights the need for clearer guidelines around AI voice reproduction, especially when minors are involved.