Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Apr 5: In a bizarre courtroom incident, a US man was compelled to issue a formal apology after he attempted to represent himself using an AI-generated avatar during a hearing at the New York appeals court.

The unusual episode unfolded on March 26, when Jerome Dewald, the complainant in an employment dispute, appeared before a panel of judges. As the hearing began, Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels announced that the appellant had submitted a video for his argument.

Upon playing the video, a youthful, animated man with a polished hairstyle and beaming smile appeared on screen and began speaking in a clear, practiced tone. "May it please the court. I come here today a humble pro se before a panel of five distinguished justices," the avatar stated.

However, the court proceedings came to an abrupt halt when Justice Manzanet-Daniels asked, “Is that counsel for the case?” Dewald then admitted, “I generated that. That's not a real person.”

The revelation drew stern criticism from the bench, with Justice Manzanet-Daniels expressing her displeasure. “I don’t appreciate being misled,” she said sharply before instructing court staff to shut down the video.

Dewald later explained that he had no legal representation and had opted to use the AI tool to avoid mumbling or stumbling during his presentation. He said the AI avatar, developed using a San Francisco-based platform, was originally intended to resemble him, but technical difficulties prevented this.

According to The Associated Press, Dewald had applied for permission to play a prerecorded video but had not disclosed that it would feature an AI avatar.

Following the court’s rebuke, Dewald issued a written apology, stating that he meant no disrespect and was merely trying to present his arguments effectively.

Court officials have not yet indicated whether any further action will be taken against him.