Eline Van der Velden, the creator of tge AI character Tilly Norwood, has replied to media critics’ subsequent outrage after her announcement at the Zurich Film Festival involving the launch of Xicoia, “the world’s first artificial intelligence talent studio.” 

Upon hearing the news that the studio would also feature an Artificial Intelligence-generated performer instead of an actual actress, film fans and celebrities alike responded in outrage. Van der Velden took to Instagram, releasing a statement also shared to Norwood’s curated page, “To those who have expressed anger over the creation of my AI character, Tilly Norwood, she is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work — a piece of art…Like many forms of art before her, she sparks conversation, and that in itself shows the power of creativity.” 

Van der Velden continued, “I see AI not as a replacement for people, but as a new tool…AI offers another way to imagine and build stories…Each form of art has its place, and each can be valued for what it uniquely brings…I hope we can welcome AI as part of the wider artistic family: one more way to express ourselves, alongside theatre, film, painting, music, and countless others.” Van der Velden is expected to announce Norwood’s agency in the upcoming months. 

Since the announcement, actors have responded to the information that talent agencies were fighting over Norwood. Melissa Barrera, of In The Heights and Abigail fame, wrote in a short statement, “Hope all actors repped by the agent that does this, drop their a$$. How gross, read the room.” Matilda star Mara Wilson released a statement saying, “Shame on these people. They have stolen the faces of hundreds of young women to make this AI ‘actress.’ They’re not creators. They’re identity thieves.” The White Lotus star Lukas Gage mocked Norwood, writing, “She was a nightmare to work with!!!” Hereditary’s Toni Colette responded with a simple string of screaming emoticons to the news.