Chikn Nuggit Creator Kyra Kupetsky Resigns from BuzzFeed to Protest AI Training

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In a stunning blow to one of the internet’s most popular animated brands, Kyra Kupetsky, the creator and voice of the viral series “Chikn Nuggit,” has officially resigned from BuzzFeed. Her departure, announced on March 5, 2026, serves as a high-profile protest against a new company requirement to use the series’ assets for generative AI projects.

Kupetsky, who has been the showrunner and the voice of the titular long-eared dog since the show’s inception in 2020, shared the news via the official Chikn Nuggit social media accounts, expressing “utter heartbreak” over the situation.

The AI Mandate

According to Kupetsky’s statement, BuzzFeed is requiring that the Chikn Nuggit IP be “fed into AI” for an undisclosed project. Despite the creative team’s unanimous opposition to the move, the decision was reportedly made at a corporate level, leaving the animators with no control over the use of their work.

“I am very anti-AI and cannot support this. Thus I am leaving to boycott this,” Kupetsky wrote. “It’s being done despite our stance against it. It’s entirely out of our control and I’m utterly heartbroken.”

Impact on the Series

Chikn Nuggit has amassed over 9 million followers and billions of views across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Kupetsky’s exit leaves the future of the series in a state of uncertainty, particularly regarding the voice of the main character.

Key takeaways from her announcement include:

  • No AI in Current Episodes: Kupetsky clarified that no AI has been used in any episodes currently online, nor will it be used in the batch of episodes already completed before her departure.

  • The “Secret” Project: The AI is reportedly being used for a separate project that the team cannot discuss due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

  • Team Solidarity: Kupetsky noted that the entire BuzzFeed animation team is against the AI requirement, describing it as a situation that has been forced upon them.

A Growing Industry Conflict

This resignation marks a significant flashpoint in the ongoing tension between creative professionals and corporate AI integration. Following the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes—which centered heavily on AI protections—Kupetsky’s move is being hailed by many in the animation community as a principled stand for artist rights.

What Happens Next?

While BuzzFeed has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the future of Chikn Nuggit or the search for a new voice actor, Kupetsky has urged fans not to send hate to the remaining staff, who she says are also victims of the corporate mandate.

Kupetsky plans to continue her career as an independent creator and has encouraged fans to follow her personal accounts (@kyrakupetsky) for updates on her future projects.

About John Schwarz

John is the Chief Editor and Founder of Bubbleblabber.com. While at first a part-time project, Bubbleblabber quickly grew into a full-fledged operation and officially became a company in 2014. When John isn't running a business full-time, he likes to go to concerts with your mother.