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Gruffalo illustrator considering legal action against AI firms
Axel Scheffler, who has illustrated The Gruffalo since 1999, has spoken to a lawyer in Germany and says any case would aim to protect creators; he owns no smartphone.
On air: Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield on BBN After HoursPublished
At a glance
- First reported by BBC: “Gruffalo illustrator considering legal action against AI firms”, with reporting from El-Balad and Resultsense (citing BBC News).
- Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 3:53 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield.
- Topics: AI.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- BBCGruffalo illustrator considering legal action against AI firms
- El-BaladAxel Scheffler Weighs Action Against AI Firms — Gruffalo Illustrator - El-Balad.com October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
- Resultsense (citing BBC News)Gruffalo illustrator considers legal action against AI firms October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorGruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler says he's seriously considering court against AI firms, after someone showed him his mouse in Silicon Valley and at Oktoberfest.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentHe says it's clearly his mouse and his Gruffalo, and the rest of the picture is made up.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentAlso, no smartphone. The mouse has been in Silicon Valley and Oktoberfest and I bet the man who drew him has been in neither.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorHe's talked to a lawyer in Germany, and the AI firms say their tools train on work rather than copy it.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentSo the mouse has seen Silicon Valley, Oktoberfest, and soon a German courtroom, and the only trip Axel picked is the one with the lawyer.
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Saturday, October 31, 2026 · the Pop Culture archive · all months
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