The saga between former Bayonetta voice actress, Hellena Taylor, and PlatinumGames, appears like it will continue for at least a little while longer.
After Taylor called out PlatinumGames and asked players to boycott Bayonetta for what she claims is an “insulting” offer that she received to come back, multiple reports then refuted her original accusations.
Now, Taylor is backtracking on some of the things she said while also defending herself from the allegations.
Taylor calls reports of her asking for a “six-figure sum as well as residuals” an “absolute lie.” She describes this as part of PlatinumGames’ attempt to “save their ass and the game.” But, Taylor didn’t deny everything in the report. Taylor explains that she received a $10,000 offer that was later increased to $15,000 after she wrote to series creator, Hideki Kamiya. She added that the $4,000 figure came after she turned down the initial officer and was only to “voice some lines”. Finally, Taylor clarifies that she only asked for money for signatures once and she donated “100% of the signing fees to charity.”
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
Taylor’s main contention appears to be the six-figure paycheck the report says that she had asked for, which she slammed. Taylor decries the attempt to “throw shade and discredit” her and she urges fans not to “fall” for PlatinumGames’ attempt to “save their asset.
It’s unclear if the fault lies with the voice of Bayonetta or PlatinumGames. However, because they aired their dirty laundry, the general public has caught a glimpse of the issues faced by voice actors in the gaming community. The problematic situation has paved the way for the discussions of VAs getting paid a fair wage.
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of effect this fiasco will have on the sales of Bayonetta 3. The latest statement by Taylor appears to have swayed support in favor of PlatinumGames. Maybe, we’ll see another follow-up from either party ahead of the release of Bayonetta 3 on October 28.
