Genshin Impact Actor To Be Replaced Following Disturbing Allegations
The following article includes allegations of sexual misconduct against minors.
"Genshin Impact" developer miHoYo has parted ways with voice actor Elliot Gindi after disturbing allegations about the actor's interactions with fans emerged. In early February, a number of allegations and testimonies against the Tighnari voice actor appeared online, forcing the company to take notice. The details of the situation were then collected and placed on a website by FretCore, one of Gindi's former Discord moderators. The site contains a number of testimonies from alleged victims, many of which accused Gindi of manipulating them by exploiting past trauma. The allegations include a variety of shocking stories, including accounts of Gindi manipulating young fans into self-harming, changing their sexuality, and engaging in sexual relationships with him.
miHoYo's official "Genshin Impact" account tweeted a statement describing its next steps, and said that the company will cut ties with Gindi after speaking to his voice acting agency.
Dear Travelers,
After communications with the voice recording agency, we hereby confirm that Elliot Gindi, the English voice actor for Tighnari will no longer be voicing the character in subsequent versions due to a breach of contract.
— Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) February 16, 2023
miHoYo did not detail its reasoning for releasing Gindi, writing that the actor breached his contract and would no longer be working on new versions of the game. The developer also noted that Gindi would be replaced entirely as soon as voice lines could be re-recorded with a new actor.
The situation is certainly horrific, and potentially confusing for fans unaware of the allegations brewing against Gindi throughout the early parts of 2023. Gindi's fans and coworkers responded to the news with shock and heartbreak.
Fans made change happen
On Feb. 8, Chris Faiella, the voice director of "Genshin Impact," tweeted about the allegations, thanking the fans who let him know about the situation.
I appreciate everyone bringing the situation regarding Elliot to my attention. To say I'm angry, disappointed, and heartbroken about it all, would be an understatement. My heart goes out to anyone who has been victimized by this unacceptable and inappropriate behavior.
— Chris Faiella (@ChrisFaiella) February 8, 2023
Faiella said that he admired those that shared their stories and promised gamers that he'd speak with miHoYo about the case. Just a few days later, on Feb. 15, miHoYo shared its decision to release Gindi from his contract and recast his character — who has only been in the game since mid-2022.
Gindi posted an apology to fans, writing, "I thought everything was consensual and safe. I tried to tell myself I could make it ethical ... I was so wrong and I realized this which is why I tried to come clean to everyone I know." Gindi claimed that he would be seeking therapy and spending time away from the internet. At the time of this writing, over a dozen fans have accused Gindi of exploiting his influence and engaging in inappropriate acts.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).