TLDR:
- Netflix’s new No. 1 show, Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam, has sparked controversy among viewers due to its use of AI to replicate the voice and image of its subject, the late Lou Pearlman.
- Viewers have expressed concerns about the use of AI, with many finding it off-putting and distracting.
Key Elements:
Netflix subscribers have raised objections to the use of artificial intelligence in the streamer’s latest hit docuseries, Dirty Pop: The Boyband Scam. The three-part series chronicles the rise and fall of Lou Pearlman, the creator of iconic boy bands Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. Pearlman, who died in 2016, was known for his fraudulent activities and involvement in a Ponzi scheme. The documentary features digitally altered footage of Pearlman narrating his writings, created using AI technology.
Many viewers have taken to social media to express their disdain for the use of AI in the series. Some have called it embarrassing and off-putting, while others find it distracting and unnecessary. Despite the popularity of the show, the decision to use AI has divided opinions among fans.
In response to the backlash, executive producer Michael Johnson defended the use of AI, stating that it was essential to convey Lou Pearlman’s reality and the contrast with the rest of the world’s perception of him. The documentary also features interviews with members of Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, shedding light on their troubled relationships with Pearlman and his fraudulent activities.
Lou Pearlman’s legacy as a con man who exploited young artists for financial gain is explored in the series, with former band members expressing their feelings of betrayal and disappointment. Despite his death in 2016, Pearlman’s actions continue to impact those who were affected by his schemes.