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Netflix Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Avatars in Lucy Letby Documentary

The company says the technique protected contributors' privacy at their request.

Overview

  • The Investigation of Lucy Letby labels certain on-screen contributors as “Digitally Anonymised,” confirming the use of AI-generated avatars.
  • Netflix defended the approach in comments reported by Esquire, saying it was used to honor anonymity requests from participants.
  • Viewers on Reddit, X, and Rotten Tomatoes criticized the AI faces as unnatural, citing mismatched expressions and eerie visuals that distracted from testimony.
  • A Newsweek column argued the choice undermines documentary norms by sanitizing real pain and replacing human presence with algorithmic stand-ins.
  • The Daily Dot reported it has sought comment from production company Blast Films, and no change to Netflix’s use or policy has been announced.