Genshin Impact community often finds itself in the middle of various controversies mainly regarding the gameplay, character, and story elements, but this time the uproar is focused on something else: Elliot Gindi, the voice behind Tighnrari in the English version of the game. The voice actor has been accused of sexual misconduct as outlined in a document shared by his former Twitch and Discord moderators.
What Happened With Elliot Gindi?
The document (which contains some graphic content) consists of various accounts of fans who spoke to Gindi over the past year. They shared their experiences, stating that these conversations became sexual and made them uncomfortable, even though they were underage at the time. According to their statements, Gindi would make them feel special, going so far as to even promise to visit them and try to push them into “contracts” which stated that couldn’t date other men. One of the screenshots shows Gindi talking about the situation with his moderators and saying that he made sure not to leave the paper trail by wiping his Discord clean while another shows him saying that he is “considering pills to make the pain go away.”
Gindi posted a cryptic message on his personal Twitter account on February 7, without mentioning any of the things outlined above. The document was made public on February 8.
Less than a day later, he posted a full apology:
I am deeply sorry to those I hurt. It was never my intention to hurt anyone. I tried to keep it above board. I thought everything was consensual and safe. I tried to tell myself I could make it ethical with clear communication and boundaries. I was so wrong and I realized this which is why I tried to come clean to everyone I know, log off and get therapy. To those who believed in me even after I came clean I’m sorry to have let you down. Please do not use this as an opportunity to bash other cast members or the game. No one knew.
What is true: All of the screenshots of the chat logs. Yes, all of the cringy sex talk. Yes, I did threaten suicide if it got out. I didn’t think through the severity of that. I’m sorry. I never intended to change someone ace, they insisted this is what they wanted. I ended things, but later gave in to emotional weakness and re-engaged when I was offered a chance to
What is not true: That I knowingly did anything with anyone underage That I did not respect someone’s pronoun changes. I was not “waiting” for someone 15 to turn 18. I flatly rejected them.
Re: Other questionable practices: There are times when I’ve streamed in my boxers, but there was never any sexual intention nor focus meant by this. I did not realize it could be interpreted that way and I apologize profusely to anyone who was made uncomfortable by this. In addition, I did not engage with anyone in the ways described above outside of those 3 people I was involved with.
I understand what I did was wrong and inappropriate, and to the best of my ability tried to confess as much to those I contacted. I reacted inappropriately to situations where I felt desired, and caused harm to so many people in the process. I understand that my actions have consequences, and am committing myself to accepting my responsibility while making the effort to get – and do – better.
Genshin Impact Community Reacts to Gindi Allegations
The original tweet with the document quickly spread throughout the community, with many members of the English voice cast sharing their sympathies with the victims and condemning Gindi’s behavior. Many fans are calling for the recasting of Tighnari’s voice actor and offering ideas for alternatives. Genshin Impact voice director, Chris Faiella, tweeted his comment:
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. I personally would like to champion the ones who stepped forward and brought all of this to light. Trust that I am doing everything that I can, using what limited power I do have, to rectify this situation and will absolutely inform the folks at miHoYo.“
Kotaku reached out to HoYoverse and got the following comment: “We deeply regret the harm and damage that happened to our fans, gamers, community, and anyone affected. Both our internal teams and external partners including our voice acting studio have been working together on an urgent solution. And we will keep you posted on the progress.” In the past, Li Yuantao, who voiced Oz in the Chinese version of the game, was replaced after a cheating scandal became public. Oz’s voice lines were fully replaced.
Zach Aguilar, who voices Aether, removed his streams with Gindi:
Brianna Knickerbocker (Hu Tao), Kieran Regan (Heizou), Anne Yatco (Raiden Shogun), Laila Berzins (Xiao), Erika Harlacher (Venti) Jenny Yokobori (Yoimiya), Khoi Dao, and Nazeeh Tarsha (Alhaitham) were only some of the Genshin voice actors who condemned Gindi’s behavior. Alejandro Saab, who voices Cyno, wrote: “I’m mad, sad and just… frustrated. I considered him a friend and this… this sucks and I’m sorry. My heart goes out to all the victims he affected.” Gindi was often part of streams organized by other voice actors and, as stated above, he also streamed himself. Allegra Clark, who voices Beidou, wrote about the relationship dynamics in the fandoms:
Elliot Gindi joined the Genshin Impact cast in August of 2022 with the Sumeru update. Tighnari was the first 5* Dendro character in the game and as such has a decently sized fan base.
Featured image: ©COGNOSPHERE
