Jennifer Hale issues statement on Bayonetta 3 voice acting situation
Jennifer Hale, the new voice of Bayonetta, has issued a statement on Bayonetta 3 in light of the controversial voice acting situation that became a prominent topic over the weekend.
Although she’s under an NDA – meaning what she can say is limited – Hale made it clear in stating she’s in support of “every actor’s right to be paid well”. Additionally, rather than going after PlatinumGames or specific people, she mentioned how Bayonetta 3 “has been created by an entire team of hard-working, dedicated people and I hope everyone will keep an open mind about what they’ve created.” Hale ultimately hopes for people to “resolve their differences in an amicable and respectful way.”
The full statement reads:
With regard to Bayonetta 3,
As a longtime member of the voice acting community, I support every actor’s right to be paid well and have advocated consistency for this for years.
Anyone who knows me, or has followed by career, will know that I have great respect for my peers, and that I am an advocate for all members of the community.
I am under an NDA and am not at liberty to speak regarding this situation. My reputation speaks for itself.
I sincerely ask that everyone keep in mind that this game has been created by an entire team of hard-working, dedicated people and I hope everyone will keep an open mind about what they’ve created.
Finally, I hope that everyone involved may resolve their differences in an amicable and respectful way.
With love and respect to you all,
Jennifer Hale
Hellena Taylor, the original voice of Bayonetta, put out three videos on social media over the weekend explaining why she didn’t return to voice the character in the series’ third entry. Taylor felt that she was initially given “an insulting offer” to come back, and only received a bump to $4,000 after reaching out to PlatinumGames’ Hideki Kamiya. Taylor also called out Hale and said she “has no right to say she’s the voice of Bayonetta” and “has no right to sign merchandise as Bayonetta.”
