Dominique “SonicFox” McLean has announced their decision to withdraw from Nexcon 2026 after discovering that promotional materials for the gaming convention employed AI to create imagery using their likeness. This decision stemmed from concerns over the quality and ethics of AI-generated content, which SonicFox found disrespectful.

Background on Nexcon 2026

Nexcon 2026 is an event that celebrates gaming, anime, and creative culture, organized by Ninjutsu Entertainment, and is set to take place in Norman, Oklahoma. The controversy erupted when SonicFox was alerted to promotional flyers that featured AI-generated representations of several notable figures in attendance.

Community Reactions and Statements

“Not sure who’s in charge of Nexcon but I absolutely refuse to have my likeness be AI generated and my interest in attending as a special guest has dropped to 0. Incredibly disrespectful.”
– SonicFox (@SonicFox)

Upon learning of the AI-generated content, SonicFox quickly terminated their contract with the event organizers, stating via social media, “Update: Contract terminated and no longer attending! :3.”

Response from Organizers

Ty Bailey, co-founder of Ninjutsu Entertainment, released a video on X, acknowledging the decision to use AI for the promotional materials and pleading for SonicFox’s reconsideration. Bailey expressed remorse over the situation, highlighting the financial constraints that led to utilizing AI-generated images.

“We did not mean to disrespect you hope this clears it up you love you dawg.”
– Ninjutsu Entertainment (@NinjutsuEtm)

In his post, Bailey detailed struggles encountered due to limited resources and stressed the need for SonicFox’s involvement at Nexcon.

SonicFox’s Final Remarks

In response to Bailey’s apology, SonicFox acknowledged the sentiment but maintained a firm stance on the matter. They stated, “I’m a forgiving person and I can hear the remorse in your voice so I forgive you. However, there are still consequences to said actions that will prompt me not to attend.” SonicFox recommended that the organization utilize their contract payment to hire actual artists for future events.