TLDR;
Rima Evenstar discusses several topics, including a virtual con controversy involving accusations of AI art and connections to crypto/NFTs, the streamer Frogan's situation with financial audits and past controversies, and a detailed analysis of an AI art tracing scandal involving an artist named Asami Arts. The virtual con faced mass VTuber walkouts due to concerns about its backers and potential scams. Frogan's financial troubles and controversial past actions are examined. The Asami Arts case is dissected, revealing evidence of AI tracing and subsequent community backlash.
- Virtual Con controversy and VTuber walkouts
- Frogan's financial situation and past controversies
- Detailed analysis of AI art tracing scandal involving Asami Arts
Sponsor Shoutout and Personal Updates [10:36]
Rima Evenstar begins by promoting her sponsor, Gamer Supps, encouraging viewers to use the code "club" for a 10% discount and to try their free samples. She expresses her desire to collaborate with Gamer Supps to create a Rima-themed flavor and waifu cup, contingent on achieving sufficient sales. Rima jokes about potential flavor names, such as "nightmare," and mentions cups from other VTubers that Gamer Supps sent her, praising their high quality. She also briefly mentions Code Geass, noting she hasn't been able to get into it due to her ADHD.
Virtual Con Controversy: AI Art and VTuber Walkouts [13:05]
Rima discusses a virtual con facing a mass VTuber walkout due to concerns about AI art usage and potential scams. She references a tweet from Victoria the Sun Eater, who withdrew from the con due to concerns about the backers. The controversy began with Cyro warning Merryweather and others about the con's potential use of AI art and scam-like behavior, citing red flags in their email communications. Rima reviews an email from the con, pointing out misinputs and AI-generated content, but notes that many sponsor emails use similar AI-generated content.
Red Flags and Charity Concerns [17:32]
Cyro also noted bot followers and comments, which Rima considers a more significant red flag. The con's PFP and logo are suspected to be AI-generated. Rima expresses concern about the con's charity aspect, worrying that the money might not reach the intended recipients. She reads the con's announcement for Virtual Con 2025, highlighting the use of "tubers" instead of "VTubers" and the event's description as a "groundbreaking celebration."
Organizer's Ties to Crypto and NFTs [20:36]
Rima addresses claims that the con's organizers are tied to crypto, NFTs, and AI. She reveals that the organizer's Discord profile, "Shadow Crypto," uses "buy/sell" as pronouns and has links to crypto-related ventures. This information was available since October, suggesting that VTubers may not have thoroughly vetted the con before signing up. Rima acknowledges the snowball effect of creators leaving due to these associations.
Axi Infinity and Predatory Practices [23:41]
Rima discusses the game associated with the con, a blockchain game called Axi Infinity, which has been described as a pyramid scheme. She explains how the game, launched during the pandemic, initially provided income for players in countries like the Philippines but later crashed, causing significant financial losses. Rima reads comments from others who have pulled out of the con, citing concerns about AI-generated content and lack of transparency.
Brand Guidelines and Lack of Transparency [26:45]
Rima shares concerns about the con using Gen AI art and the lack of transparency from the organizers. She reads from the Virtual Con brand guidelines, which appear to be AI-generated and lack essential information, such as the artist's name. Rima highlights the unprofessional nature of the brand guidelines, noting the vague descriptions and lack of specific font information. She emphasizes the importance of transparency and the need for the con to provide clarity to retain participants.
VTubers Withdraw and Charity Concerns [32:22]
Rima shares announcements from Kurumi Lucian, Bangi, Fei, and Angel, who are also withdrawing from the con due to concerns about the organizers and lack of transparency. Bangi notes that their concert footage may be played without consent. Rima emphasizes the importance of creators stepping away safely and criticizes insensitive posts capitalizing on the situation. She also shares a statement from the Immune Deficiency Foundation, indicating that the con has been canceled and they are no longer associated with it.
Game Devs and Lack of Statement [41:29]
Rima shares a comment from a game developer who paid to have their game featured at the con and is now unsure if they will receive a refund. The developer notes that the con's creator seems genuine but is struggling with the situation. Rima emphasizes that the con could resolve many issues by simply crediting the artist and providing more transparency. She notes the lack of a statement from the con, despite the growing controversy.
Vetting Events and Contractual Obligations [45:31]
Rima shares a comment from Naru, who rejected the con's proposal after a brief investigation revealed numerous red flags. Naru emphasizes the importance of VTubers researching events before participating, even if they are being paid. Rima speculates that VTubers may have been paid, leading them to skip thorough vetting. She stresses the need for talents to review their contracts and renegotiate if necessary to avoid potential harm to their audience.
Frogan and Financial Audit [50:24]
Rima transitions to a lighter topic, discussing the streamer Frogan and an offer from Calib Hammer and Asmongold to appear on a financial audit show. She shares details of the offers, including donations to charity and personal payments. Rima then reads Frogan's response, in which she declines the offer and defends her financial situation. Rima criticizes Frogan's past behavior and shares details of Frogan's Twitch suspension for hateful conduct, including wishing PTSD on US soldiers.
Frogan's Controversies and Ethan Klein's Lawsuit [57:03]
Rima watches a video detailing Frogan's past controversies, including a racist tier list and begging for rent money on stream. She shares clips of Frogan's controversial statements and discusses her financial struggles, including the loss of ad revenue due to her suspension. Rima also mentions that Frogan is being sued by Ethan Klein for copyright infringement. She explains that Frogan and other streamers were playing Ethan's videos without commentary, leading to the lawsuit.
Akos and Jason Singh, Celibacy and Virginity [1:12:48]
Rima discusses Akos and Jason Singh, a couple known for their controversial content. She shares a compilation of the wife making jokes at the husband's expense and the husband defending his wife. Rima then plays a clip of the couple discussing celibacy and virginity, leading to a debate about the meaning and context of these concepts.
Varian Project and Fangy Fido [1:23:27]
Rima shifts to a VTuber-related topic, discussing the termination of Fangy Fido from Varian Project, a new VTuber agency. She reads the termination letter, citing public breach of NDA, failure to uphold contractual obligations, and ongoing behavioral issues. Rima then plays a clip of Fangy Fido's stream, in which she expresses nervousness and gratitude for the support, while also stating that she cannot discuss the details of her termination.
Fangy Fido's Stream and Speculations [1:26:14]
Fangy Fido states that she is not coming into the stream with the intention of dragging anyone down and asks viewers not to speculate or send hate to anyone involved. She reveals that she has been struggling with anxiety and medical issues and contemplated quitting streaming altogether. Fangy Fido announces her intention to return to streaming and potentially host a donathon to rebrand. Rima expresses distrust of Varian Project and shares rumors that Fangy Fido was unfairly terminated.
Miskf and PETA Controversy [1:40:04]
Rima briefly mentions Miskf's move to Kick and his denial of allegations from Emu. She then transitions to a video about PETA and their controversial marketing tactics. The video details PETA's history of shocking campaigns, their high euthanasia rates, and their recent criticism of the game Uma Musume Pretty Derby for its depiction of injured horses.
PETA's Controversial History and Tactics [1:55:30]
The video continues to detail PETA's controversial history, including comparing meat packers to Jeffrey Dahmer and linking cow's milk to autism. It highlights PETA's high euthanasia rates and their criticism of Uma Musume Pretty Derby for its depiction of injured horses. The video argues that PETA's tactics are harmful and counterproductive, alienating potential supporters and damaging their reputation.
AI Art Tracing Scandal: Asami Arts [2:19:17]
Rima begins watching a video about an AI art tracing scandal involving an artist named Asami Arts. The video details how Asami Arts gained a large following by posting suggestive art and taking commissions on VGEN. However, another artist, Teru, noticed inconsistencies in Asami's art and created a detailed Google Doc exposing Asami's AI tracing.
Evidence and Accusations [2:24:20]
The video explains that Teru's document provides extensive evidence of Asami Arts tracing AI, including time-lapse inconsistencies, art style changes, and AI errors in the artwork. Teru also contacted VGEN to report Asami, but no action was taken. The video highlights the difficulty of detecting AI tracing and the importance of artists being aware of the signs.
Time-Lapse Inconsistencies and AI Errors [2:32:50]
The video continues to present evidence from Teru's document, focusing on time-lapse inconsistencies, such as the lack of sketching and adjustments. It also highlights AI errors in Asami's art, such as incorrect gun muzzle placement and incoherent hair and clothing designs. The video explains how AI tracers often ignore critical character design elements and fail to learn from their mistakes.
Art Style Changes and AI Models [2:46:36]
The video discusses Asami Arts' sudden art style changes, noting that they often coincide with the release of new AI models trained on the styles of popular artists. It explains how AI models, particularly Lauras, can be used to replicate specific art styles. The video also highlights Asami's blocking of an artist whose style she was allegedly copying.
PETA and AI Art Scams [2:58:00]
The video continues to present evidence of Asami Arts' AI tracing, including inconsistencies in her art and her use of AI-generated avatars. It also discusses the challenges of detecting AI tracing and the importance of supporting artists who create original work. The video concludes by emphasizing the need for caution when commissioning art and the importance of being aware of the signs of AI tracing.
Asami's Response and Chroma Keying [3:35:30]
The video details Asami's initial response to the accusations, which included dismissing the document as "petty drama" and claiming that she didn't need to prove herself. However, after facing further scrutiny, Asami posted a time-lapse video that appeared to show her drawing. The video reveals that Asami used chroma keying to hide the AI-generated art underneath, a technique that was discovered by the community.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts [3:46:34]
The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of supporting genuine artists and being aware of the signs of AI tracing. It notes that Asami's plan backfired, and she is now facing widespread criticism. The video also highlights the need for platforms like VGEN to take AI tracing seriously and implement stricter verification processes. Rima expresses her respect for Mujin and his ability to explain complex topics in a positive and informative way.
