By now, internet users are probably aware of the ongoing pay dispute between Hellena Taylor, the original voice actor behind Bayonetta and PlatinumGames. But in case this is new for you, here is brief catchup:
When Bayonetta 3 started getting promoted online, fans soon noticed that the voice behind the beloved character had changed. This prompted PlatinumGames to issue a statement stating that Hellena Taylor couldn’t return to the titular role due to “overlapping circumstances”. Hellena then went on to Twitter and, with a series of videos, offered her side of the story calling the pay provided to her by PlatinumGames offensive.
Hellena then said she was offered a final flat rate of $4,000 and asked fans to consider boycotting the game. However, soon after these statements were made, various online sources, including Bloomberg and VGC, reported that Hellena was actually offered $15,000, spread over “at least five” studio sessions. These reports also claimed that Hellena had asked for a six-figure sum and residuals on the game.
This discrepancy between Hellena’s statements and the report resulted in a lot of backlash online, with many questioning the accuracy of her initial claims, which has pushed the actor to now respond to the allegations against her with a new Twitter thread.
It has come to my attention that some people are calling me a liar and golddigger. I feel the need to defend myself and my reputation in the industry. See thread #PlatinumGames #Nintendo #Bayonetta #Bayonetta3 #Bayonutters #Boycott #NintendoEurope #NintendoAmerica #NintendoJapan
— Hellena Taylor (@hellenataylor) October 24, 2022
In this Twitter thread, Hellena hit back against the allegations that she requested six-figure sums for the role, saying,
“I’ve also been informed of ridiculous fictions, such as I asked for 250,000 dollars. I am a team player. I was just asking for a fair, living wage in line with the value that I bring to this game. I was paid a shockingly low total of £3000 total for the first game. A little more for the second. I wanted to voice her. I have drummed up interest in this game ever since I started on Twitter in 2011.”
Hellena also asked fans to donate money to charity instead of purchasing Bayonetta 3,
“I will post the 14 charities, so that you can donate to charity, instead of buying this game from corrupt, greedy people.) There are people who are attempting to throw shade and discredit what I say. The industry is powerful, they have powerful journalists too. They are trying to save their asset. Don’t fall for it!”
Platinum Games has not responded to the recent statements by Taylor. Bayonetta 3 is set to launch on 28 October only on Nintendo Switch.