ChatGPT Generates Cartoons Using Real New Yorker Cartoonists' Signatures

A cartoon featuring Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, which went viral on Twitter following their deaths in August 2026, has raised concerns about the use of AI in art. The cartoon, attributed to New Yorker cartoonist Brendan Loper, was actually generated by ChatGPT and posted by a fan. Loper reported receiving numerous inquiries about the cartoon, which he did not create. This incident is not isolated; other New Yorker cartoonists have found their signatures reproduced by ChatGPT without permission. Loper expressed that while he is aware of AI using his work for training, the unauthorized use of his signature felt like a violation of his identity. OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, acknowledged the issue and stated they aim to empower human creativity. Despite this, ChatGPT continues to generate cartoons signed with real cartoonists' names. The New Yorker’s parent company, Condé Nast, has a licensing agreement with OpenAI, but it does not allow for AI training on its cartoons. Legal experts note that U.S. copyright law has not yet adapted to the challenges posed by AI-generated content. Some cartoonists have initiated lawsuits against AI companies for unauthorized use of their work. The rise of AI-generated cartoons has already impacted the job market for professional cartoonists, as seen with The Baltimore Sun's decision to publish AI-generated content. The New Yorker has not adopted this practice, but cartoonists express concern about the future of their livelihoods in light of AI advancements.