English VA For ‘Genshin Impact’ Character Tighnari Responds To Grooming And Underage Sexual Misconduct Allegations
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After finding himself at the center of a sexual misconduct scandal, English-language Genshin Impact voice actor Elliot Gindi has issued a statement responding to the accusations leveled against him.
Tighnari about to fire an arrow in Genshin Impact Tighnari’s Character Demo “Plant Patrol” (2022), HoYoverse
An amateur voice actor whose only credits are Tighnari in HoYoverse’s popular action-RPG and minor roles in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Gindi has been facing a firestorm of worrying allegations regarding his behavior, including emotional abuse, threatening suicide in order to blackmail others, and having sexual relations with teenage fans.
HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact’s Tighnari English Voice Actor Announcement
These claims against Gindi were first raised in a February 7th Google Doc authored by an alleged former mod of the voice actor’s now-deleted Discord server, @FretCore.
Within the Google Doc, @FretCore shared a number of screenshots between the mods and Gindi’s supposed victim, who claimed that the voice actor had begun discussing their sexuality with them when they were just 14-years-old.
@FretCore via Twitter
They further recalled Gindi requesting them to strip on video call, flashing his genitalia to them, and forcing them into a ‘contract’ agreement where the victim could hook-up with girls but not guys.
Addtionally, the victim accused the voice actor of having confessed to them his own predilection for preying on fans who were heavily traumatized and have mental illnesses, as well as having threatened to commit suicide if any of their correspondence were ever made public.
The fan, who currently identifies as transgender, also alleged that Gindi refused to recognize their identity, continuing to use their original feminine pronouns and even attempting to convince them to not get top-surgery.
HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact’s Tighnari watching fireworks Illustrated by @cognosphere
Facing a massive backlash, Gindi took to his personal Twitter on February 8th to address the accusations.
“I am deeply sorry to those I hurt. It was never my intention to hurt anyone,” the voice actor began his statement. “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.”
HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact’s Tighnari Character Banner illustrated by @cognosphere
From there, Gindi proceeded to clarify which of the accusations made against him were factually true and which were based on lies.
“What is true: All of the screenshots of the chat logs,” he confessed. “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.”
Conversely, Gindi explained, “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.”
Tighnari observing plant in Genshin Impact Tighnari’s Character Demo (2022), HoYoverse
Turning to the “other questionable practices” of which he was accused, the voice actor continued, “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,” Gindi added. “In addition, I did not engage with anyone in the ways described above outside of those 3 people I was involved with.”
Tighnari conducting research in Genshin Impact “Tighnari: When All Is Said” Character Teaser Trailer (2022), HoYoverse
Ultimately, the voice actor concluded his statement by admitting to their mistakes and promising to taking accountability and responsibility for his actions.
“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,” wrote Gindi. “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.”
HoYoverse’s Genshin Impact’s Tighnari Official Illustration by @cognosphere
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