"It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed": Sir Elton John labels the British government as "absolute losers" for AI copyright plans

Elton John isn’t holding back, and this time, it’s not about flashy outfits or stadium-sized performances.

The 78-year-old music icon recently blasted the British government over a controversial proposal to let tech firms train AI using the UK’s creative works without guaranteeing artists proper compensation.

In an exclusive conversation with the BBC, the “Rocket Man” hitmaker didn’t mince his words, accusing the government of “committing theft, thievery on the highest scale” against creators in favor of AI amelioration.

"The danger is for young artists, they haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight big tech. It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed."

At the heart of the backlash is a proposal to slacken copyright protections, allowing AI developers to train their systems on any material they legally access unless creators actively opt out.

This implies that writers, artists, and musicians would have to meticulously monitor and protect their work, often without the financial or legal capacity to do so.

“We’re complaining about people’s legacy, whether they’re young writers, whether they’re young playwrights, journalists, whatever. Some people aren’t like me. They don’t earn as much as I do.”

Elton John added:

“They’re creative, and it comes from the human soul, and not a machine, because a machine isn’t capable of writing anything with a soul in it. If you’ve got to get rid of that and you’ve got to rob people of their legacy and income, it’s a criminal offense.”

READ ALSO: "It’s about my death": Elton John reveals why he "broke down for 45 minutes" while recording his latest album

The “Skyline Pigeon” singer also didn’t hold back from airing his anger and disappointment at the authority.

“The government are just being absolute losers.”

Sir Elton John on AI: “A machine doesn’t have a soul, heart, human feeling”

Sir Elton John isn’t alone in his protest. Fellow music legends like Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Ed Sheeran have also joined the chorus against the government’s proposal, warning it could devastate the future of the UK’s vibrant creative scene.

And John’s critique doesn’t stop at legality. It’s also about the soul of art itself. He stated:

"A machine... doesn't have a soul, doesn't have a heart, it doesn't have human feeling, it doesn't have passion. Human beings, when they create something, are doing it... to bring pleasure to lots of people."

READ ALSO: “We are not against progress”: Elton John, Dua Lipa, and 400 other artists call on UK to safeguard copyright from AI threats

The British pop legend, who has sold over 300 million records and has a six-decade-long career, has long been advocating for promising talents. Elton John stated:

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“I’ve always sought to support young artists and will continue to fight against the changes.”

While he supports Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, his message is as clear as crystal: protecting artists trumps party lines.

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