Shares fell significantly in the tech sector after a lawsuit was filed against popular creator IShowSpeed, alleging that he inflicted irreparable damage to the humanoid influencer Rizzbot during a live-streamed meeting in September. The lawsuit, filed by Rizzbot's creators, Social Robotics, in November, claims that IShowSpeed repeatedly punched Rizzbot in the face, put it in a chokehold, pinned it to the couch, and threw it to the ground.
According to the petition obtained by TechCrunch, IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., and his management company, Mixed Management, are being sued alongside another producer who was part of his team that day. The lawsuit alleges that IShowSpeed knew his actions would cause irreparable damage to Rizzbot, a sophisticated robot with over a million followers and 800 million views across social media platforms.
"We are deeply concerned about the well-being of Rizzbot and the potential long-term consequences of IShowSpeed's actions," said a spokesperson for Social Robotics. "As the creators of Rizzbot, we take pride in its ability to entertain and engage with our audience, and we will not stand idly by while it is mistreated."
Rizzbot has gained a significant following for its comedic roasting of subjects and its tendency to give people the middle finger. IShowSpeed, on the other hand, has over 50 million followers and 6 billion views across various platforms, known for his dramatic behavior while livestreaming.
The incident has raised questions about the treatment of robots and artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. "This case highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of the capabilities and limitations of AI-powered robots like Rizzbot," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a robotics expert at Stanford University. "We must ensure that these robots are treated with respect and care, and that their creators are held accountable for any harm caused."
The lawsuit is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold. In the meantime, the tech sector is watching closely, as the outcome could have significant implications for the treatment of robots and AI in the entertainment industry..
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