Fighting game esports star SonicFox has pulled out of an upcoming gaming convention after being made aware of promotional flyer for the event featuring them, saying they “absolutely refused” to have their likeness be AI-generated.

The competitor was advertised as a special guest at Nexcon 2026, taking place November 14–15 in Norman, Oklahoma, but terminated their contract, saying their interest in attending had “dropped to zero” after being made aware of the flyer.

Event organizer Ninjustu Entertainment has since posted a video response stating that it did not mean to disrespect SonicFox.

SonicFox says they might reconsider for future events

“I’m a forgiving person and I can hear the remorse in your voice so I forgive you, SonicFox said in response to Ninjutsu Entertainment’s video.

“However, there are still consequences to said actions that will prompt me not to attend,” they continued, suggesting that the organizer use the money they offered them to attend to hire artists.

SonicFox cancels Nexcon appearance over AI art

The controversy began when X user Z2WJustin tagged SonicFox and voice actress Kara Edwards in a post highlighting promotional material that the event’s venue in Norman, Oklahoma, is believed to have created using AI.

“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 responded.

Following the backlash, Z2WJustin shared an update saying the organizers had reached out and were taking steps to address the issue.

“Want to add that they did reach out to me today and let me know they are working with real artists to fix things and trying to ban AI art from their platform entirely,” they wrote.

However, those efforts weren’t enough to convince SonicFox to reconsider their appearance.

“Update: Contract terminated and no longer attending!” the fighting game star confirmed in a subsequent post.

As of writing, SonixFox is still listed as a special guest on the Nexcon 2026 website alongside Dragon Ball voice actor Kara Edwards. Edwards hasn’t commented on the flyer or its contents.

Dexerto has contacted event organizers Ninjutsu Entertainment for comment.