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Netflix’s latest true-crime docuseries, American Murder: Gabby Petito, has ignited controversy over its use of artificial intelligence to recreate the late Petito’s voice. While the filmmakers claim to have obtained the family’s blessing, many viewers have expressed discomfort with the decision, raising ethical concerns about the use of AI in storytelling—especially when the subject is someone who was tragically silenced.
The AI Voice Controversy
The three-part series, which revisits the highly publicized 2021 case of Gabby Petito’s disappearance and murder, features interviews, photos, and maps to illustrate her story. However, the most striking creative choice is the recreation of Petito’s voice using AI technology, based on her journal entries and text messages. A disclaimer in the first episode notes this technique, yet it has not softened the criticism from audiences.
While directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Michael Gasparro told Us Weekly that the Petito family approved the voice recreation, many viewers have called it “unsettling,” “deeply uncomfortable,” and “a step too far.” Social media reactions on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok have questioned the necessity of the AI voice, with some arguing that it exploits Petito’s story for dramatic effect.
Ethical Concerns in AI Recreation
The debate surrounding AI-generated voices in documentaries isn’t new. In 2021, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain used a similar technique to replicate the late chef’s voice, sparking an outcry from fans and ethicists alike.
Merve Hickok, president of the Center for AI and Digital Policy, warns that while AI voice cloning can be used responsibly, it becomes problematic when it delves into deeply personal or private content. “The person made a decision to keep that private,” Hickok explains. “It is not up to us to make that decision on their behalf after they passed away.”
In Petito’s case, Hickok argues that using AI to resurrect her voice in a murder case—where her voice was taken against her will—raises serious ethical concerns, regardless of family consent. She cautions that the film industry should consider alternative storytelling techniques rather than relying on controversial new technologies simply because they exist.
The Family’s Reaction
Some of Petito’s family members have acknowledged the backlash but maintain that they supported the filmmakers’ decision. Her mother, Nichole Schmidt, admitted that hearing the AI-generated voice felt “a little off” because she knew what Gabby truly sounded like. Meanwhile, her stepfather, Jim Schmidt, said that whether it was AI or her real voice, it was still painful to hear, knowing she is gone.
The Future of AI in Storytelling
The controversy surrounding Netflix’s use of AI in American Murder: Gabby Petito highlights a broader conversation about the ethical limits of artificial intelligence in media. While AI technology can help preserve legacies and enhance storytelling, its use must be weighed carefully—especially when dealing with sensitive, real-life tragedies.
As AI voice cloning becomes more prevalent, experts stress the need for regulations and ethical guidelines to prevent misuse. Hickok suggests that families could pre-approve AI recreations for memorial purposes, but cautions that filmmakers must assess the emotional and ethical risks involved.
Ultimately, American Murder: Gabby Petito serves as a reminder that just because a technology exists doesn’t mean it should be used without careful consideration. Whether AI-generated voices enhance or exploit true crime storytelling remains a question that audiences—and the industry—must grapple with in the years to come.
