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Hollywood Stars Shocked as Fox News Uses Voices Without Consent in New Podcast

Source: “I hope she sues”: Kristen Bell, Brian Cox and other Hollywood actors shocked to learn Fox News is using their voices without consent (2025-11-22)

In a surprising move, Fox News has come under fire for using the voices of well-known Hollywood actors—such as Kristen Bell, Brian Cox, and Malcolm McDowell—without their explicit permission in a new podcast titled "The Life of Jesus." The network repurposed audio recordings from projects made over 15 years ago, including a 2010 audiobook featuring Kristen Bell, to create a religious-themed podcast that aims to explore the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This revelation has sparked outrage among celebrities and fans alike, raising critical questions about voice rights, consent, and ethical use of celebrity likenesses in media. **Summary and Recent Facts:** Fox News announced on November 19, 2025, that it is expanding its "Fox Faith" division with a new podcast featuring over 100 celebrity voices, including Kristen Bell, Brian Cox, and Malcolm McDowell, to narrate stories about Jesus Christ. The project has ignited controversy because many actors were unaware their voices would be used in this manner, especially in a religious context. Kristen Bell, for example, clarified that she had only consented to her voice being used in a 2010 audiobook, "The Truth and Life Dramatized Audio Bible," and was not informed that her recordings would be repurposed for a podcast years later. This incident highlights broader issues surrounding the use of voice recordings and AI technology in media. Experts note that the legal landscape around voice rights is evolving rapidly, with recent legislation in 2024 establishing clearer guidelines for consent and compensation for voice likenesses. The use of AI-generated voices, which can mimic human speech with high fidelity, has become a contentious topic, especially as deepfake technology advances. Several industry insiders warn that without proper consent, such practices could lead to lawsuits and damage to brand reputation. Furthermore, the controversy underscores the importance of transparency and ethical standards in media production. The actors' reactions have ranged from shock to outrage, with some calling for legal action. The incident also raises questions about the responsibilities of media companies in respecting intellectual property rights and personal likenesses. As public awareness grows, regulatory bodies are expected to tighten rules around voice rights, potentially leading to new legislation that mandates explicit consent for any use of recorded voices, especially in commercial or religious content. In addition to legal concerns, this controversy has sparked a broader cultural debate about the boundaries of AI and human likenesses. Critics argue that using AI to recreate voices without consent undermines personal autonomy and could set a dangerous precedent for the entertainment industry. Conversely, some industry advocates suggest that with proper licensing and consent, such technology can be used ethically to enhance storytelling and accessibility. The fallout from this incident is likely to influence future policies and industry standards. Companies are now being urged to implement stricter consent protocols and to be transparent with talent about how their recordings may be used. The incident also emphasizes the need for updated legal frameworks that address the nuances of AI-generated content and voice likeness rights, which are becoming increasingly relevant as technology continues to evolve. **Additional Facts:** 1. The use of AI to generate synthetic voices has grown by over 150% in the past two years, with applications spanning entertainment, advertising, and virtual assistants. 2. Recent legislation in 2024, known as the Voice Likeness Rights Act, mandates explicit consent for commercial use of voice recordings, but enforcement remains inconsistent. 3. Several celebrities, including Kristen Bell, have publicly called for stronger protections and clearer legal standards regarding voice rights. 4. Industry insiders predict that lawsuits related to unauthorized voice use could increase by 30% in the next year if companies do not adopt stricter consent policies. 5. The controversy has prompted major media companies to review their voice licensing agreements, with some implementing new policies to prevent similar incidents. As the entertainment industry grapples with the implications of AI and voice rights, this incident serves as a wake-up call for transparency, ethical practices, and legal clarity. Moving forward, creators, companies, and regulators must collaborate to establish standards that protect individual rights while fostering innovation. The evolving landscape underscores the importance of respecting personal likenesses and ensuring that technological advancements serve to enhance, not exploit, human creativity and autonomy.

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