Master Chief’s Voice Actor Slams White House Video as ‘Disgusting and Juvenile’

The White House has a history of leveraging pop culture to glamorize controversial actions, but last week, they took it to a new level by posting a video that mashed up clips from iconic franchises like Superman, John Wick, and the MCU to rally support for U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. This time, however, the backlash is coming from the creators behind some of the characters featured, including Steven Downes, the voice of Master Chief from Halo.

The video, which combines footage from various movies, games, and cartoons with scenes of the airstrikes, has faced heavy criticism online. Many have pointed out that several actors included in the video have previously spoken out against the administration. Downes was particularly upset about his voice being used for what he called propaganda, and he took to social media to express his discontent.

“It has come to my attention that there is at least one propaganda video circulating that was either produced or at the very least endorsed by the White House that uses images of Master Chief and uses my voice to support the war in Iran. Let me make this crystal clear: I did not participate in nor was I consulted, nor do I endorse the use of my voice in this video, or the message it conveys. I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” he stated.

Dan Green, the voice of Yami Yugi from Yu-Gi-Oh!, also found himself featured in the video without his consent. He released a statement condemning the use of his voice, emphasizing that it disrespects the legacy of series creator Kazuki Takahashi, who tragically passed away in 2022 while trying to save swimmers from a rip current.

“It came to my attention that the White House used my voice to encourage violence in Iran. Doing so tacitly implicates Kazuki Takahashi’s most beloved contribution, which continues to inspire people to become who they are, and this was presented in a way far removed from the story he was telling. Takahashi died saving others. Yu-Gi-Oh! is universal, not political. It is disrespectful to present it in any other way,” Green remarked.

This entire situation should be a source of embarrassment for those involved, but it seems the administration is unfazed. Just last week, another company issued a statement after the White House misused a meme related to their game to promote a political agenda. While there’s been plenty of outrage, it appears no one is taking legal action over these misappropriations—at least not for the memes.