Streamer LEON Representative Admits Using Shiromanta Art in AI, Apologizes
Streamer LEON representative, active in survival games like Rust, admitted on September 4 that he used illustrations gifted by manga artist Shiromanta in generative AI, apologized, and announced a hiatus from activities. The logo for his Rust event 'DEATH GAME,' held from August 29 to 31, was created by running Shiromanta's 2023 illustration through AI. When Shiromanta first asked about the image, LEON representative said he used it without recognizing it as AI-generated and cited confidentiality in refusing to name the contractor. After streamer Kenki, a DEATH GAME participant, independently confirmed the details with LEON representative, the response changed to acknowledge knowing the image was AI-made. Shiromanta received a written apology and asked that the matter be explained publicly. In a September 3 Twitch stream, Shiromanta said he has no opinion on AI's merits, but described being lied to by a friend as sad and unacceptable. LEON representative's apology acknowledged betraying Shiromanta's trust and said he would take time to reflect.