Esquire Singapore faces backlash after publishing AI-generated ‘interview’ with Mackenyu

After failing to secure time with Japanese-American actor Mackenyu, Esquire Singapore has come under fire for publishing what it described as a “deliberate creative decision”: an AI-generated ‘interview’ with the One Piece star.

The piece, titled Mackenyu in Resonance, was published on 6 March.

While it initially flew under the radar, the article has since drawn mounting criticism online, with netizens expressing confusion and anger over the approach.

Some have even called for Mackenyu to pursue legal action.

Magazine turns to AI to create feature

According to the article, the team had hoped to interview Mackenyu but were unable to do so due to scheduling constraints.

They then attempted to reach him via email, but received no response. With deadlines looming and a feature n...