Esquire Singapore Defends AI-Generated Mackenyu Interview Amid Backlash

Esquire Singapore has defended its decision to use artificial intelligence to generate a cover story featuring actor Mackenyu, describing the move as a deliberate creative decision.

The publication faced backlash after it was revealed that the interview for the March issue was produced using the AI tools Claude and Copilot and subsequently edited by humans.

In a response provided to CNA Lifestyle, Esquire Singapore explained that the editorial shift occurred because Mackenyu, known for his role as Roronoa Zoro in the Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece, was unable to respond to interview questions in a timely manner due to a demanding schedule.

While the actor completed a photo shoot for the cover, the magazine pivoted its approach after several unsuccessful attempts to secure his responses.

The Echoes Theme and AI Implementation

The magazine stated that the use of AI was intended to align with the theme of the March issue, titled Echoes.

The use of AI was a deliberate creative decision intended to reflect this theme; exploring the ‘echo’ of a persona in the digital age in the absence of the physical subject.

Esquire Singapore

The publication further asserted that it remained transparent about this experimental approach, noting that the goal was to explore the intersectionality of celebrity and tech within the Echoes context.

The resulting article, titled Mackenyu in Resonance, explored various aspects of the Japanese-American actor’s life and career. This included reflections on his previous acting roles, his priorities regarding family, the lessons he has learned from fatherhood, and his methods for managing expectations and pressure.

The story was accompanied by images from the photoshoot in which Mackenyu wore an outfit featuring multiple belts wrapped around his waist, a look reminiscent of his character Zoro in One Piece.

Industry and Public Reaction

The decision to fabricate interview answers using AI sparked significant criticism from readers and industry observers.

According to data from the analytics firm Carma, 83% of the online response to the AI-generated story was negative.

Despite the backlash, Esquire Singapore stated that it appreciates the dialogue the piece sparked among its audience and the broader industry. The publication noted that it has taken the feedback into account for future editorial considerations while maintaining a commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional media.