Dragon Con organisers in Atlanta removed vendor Oriana Gertz on September 1 2025 after determining that she had been selling AI-generated artwork in violation of the convention’s policies.
The event, one of the largest fan conventions in the United States, prohibits the sale of art created using artificial intelligence tools in order to safeguard opportunities for traditional artists.
According to the organisers, Gertz had misrepresented her work as original. After concerns were raised, staff investigated and found that the pieces in question were AI-generated.
She was subsequently asked to leave the venue and was escorted out by both convention staff and police officers.
The removal drew a strong reaction within the convention space, with some artists present reportedly cheering as she was escorted out. Many had expressed concerns in recent years over the impact of AI-generated images on the livelihoods of illustrators and independent creators.
This was not the first time Gertz faced scrutiny over the use of AI in her work. Reports indicate that she had previously been involved in similar incidents, which intensified the response from attendees and fellow vendors.
Dragon Con has maintained that its stance on AI artwork is intended to ensure authenticity and fairness in its vendor halls.
As artificial intelligence tools become more widespread, the debate over their role in creative industries has continued to grow, with some artists calling for stricter guidelines at conventions and exhibitions.
By enforcing its policy, Dragon Con reinforced its position on prioritising human-created art within its marketplace.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the wider creative community over how AI-generated works should be handled in professional and fan-based spaces.
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