HoYoverse opted to drop English voice actor Elliot Gindi and recast the role of Genshin Impact’s Tighnari due to recent allegations of sexual misconduct.
Genshin Impact’s official Twitter account released a statement on Feb. 16, a little more than a week after @FretCore uploaded a Google document with testimonials from victims detailing their experiences interacting with Gindi that include transphobia, emotional abuse and sexual misconduct with underage fans. At the time of writing, the document currently has over 13 million views since its posting. “Dear Travelers,” HoYoverse’s statement began. “After communications with the voice recording agency, we hereby confirm that Elliot Gindi, the English voice actor for Tighnari, will no longer be voicing the character in subsequent versions due to a breach of contract.”
“At present, we are communicating with the voice recording agency regarding matters of casting and re-recording,” the statement continued. “We will gradually replace Tighnari’s existing in-game voice lines, and issue these updates in the corresponding announcements. Thank you for your support, Travelers!”
Genshin Voice Actors Speak Out
In addition to the Google document, @FretCore, who states they were a former Twitch and Discord moderator for Gindi, called the voice actor an “emotional abuser&blackmailer who threatens s**cide to get his way.” Numerous Genshin Impact English voice actors have spoken out in light of the recent allegations, distancing themselves from the voice actor. These include Zach Aguilar, the voice of Aether, and Erika Harlacher-Stone, who plays Venti. Laura Stahl, who voices Barbara and Xinyan, tweeted her support, writing, “to those who have been hurt, you have my love and sympathy. To those who came forward I admire your strength. I wish you never had to use it this way. Our community is so precious, and you all deserve so much better. Please take time to heal.”
Gindi released an apology on Feb. 8, acknowledging some of the allegations as accurate. “I thought everything was consensual and safe,” he wrote. The voice actor confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots of the chat logs and the inappropriate sexual language he used. He also admitted he “did threaten suicide if it got out.” However, he denied he “knowingly did anything with anyone underage.” He also denied not respecting people’s pronouns.
Genshin Impact is available to play on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, iOS and Android.
Source: Twitter
Leave a Reply