byJoe Pring
Published: Oct 21, 2026, 13:25
Vincent Samaco / Wikimedia Commons
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Fighting game esports star SonicFox has pulled out of an upcoming gaming convention after being made aware of promotional flyer for the event featuring them, saying they “absolutely refused” to have their likeness be AI-generated.
The competitor was advertised as a special guest at Nexcon 2026, taking place <a href="https://comicvibe.com/full-list-of-new-netflix-shows-and-movies-coming-in-november-2026/” title=”Full list of new Netflix shows and movies coming in November 2026″>November 14–15 in Norman, Oklahoma, but terminated their contract, saying their interest in attending had “dropped to zero” after being made aware of the flyer.
Event organizer Ninjustu Entertainment has since posted a video response stating that it did not mean to disrespect SonicFox.
SonicFox says they might reconsider for future events
“I’m a forgiving person and I can hear the remorse in your voice so I forgive you, SonicFox said in response to Ninjutsu Entertainment’s video.
“However, there are still consequences to said actions that will prompt me not to attend,” they continued, suggesting that the organizer use the money they offered them to attend to hire artists.
I’m a forgiving person and I can hear the remorse in your voice so I forgive you.
However, there are still consequences to said actions that will prompt me not to attend.
Use the money you offered me in contract to hire artists, and maybe next year I’ll reconsider. Sorry. https://t.co/PkBKVrYXkk
— SonicFox (@SonicFox) October 21, 2026
SonicFox cancels Nexcon appearance over AI art
The controversy began when X user Z2WJustin tagged SonicFox and voice actress Kara Edwards in a post highlighting promotional material that the event’s venue in Norman, Oklahoma, is believed to have created using AI.
“Not sure who’s in charge of Nexcon but I absolutely refuse to have my likeness be AI generated and my interest in attending as a special guest has dropped to 0. Incredibly disrespectful,” SonicFox responded.
Not sure who’s in charge of Nexcon but I absolutely refuse to have my likeness be AI generated and my interest in attending as a special guest has dropped to 0.
Incredibly disrespectful. https://t.co/cEaTUgUlrx
— SonicFox (@SonicFox) October 20, 2026
Following the backlash, Z2WJustin shared an update saying the organizers had reached out and were taking steps to address the issue.
“Want to add that they did reach out to me today and let me know they are working with real artists to fix things and trying to ban AI art from their platform entirely,” they wrote.
