Actors Kristen Bell and Malcolm McDowell Say They Were Unaware Their Voices Were Used in Fox News Podcast

NEW YORK — Several actors, including Kristen Bell and Malcolm McDowell, have stated they were unaware their voices were used in a Fox News podcast centered on the figure of Jesus, according to their representatives. The actors said the audio was originally recorded for an unrelated project about 15 years ago and that they had no knowledge it would be repurposed for the broadcaster’s recent series.

Representatives for Bell and McDowell confirmed that the actors had provided voice recordings well over a decade ago, which have since been utilized in the Fox News podcast without their direct consent or prior notification. The podcast, which explores themes related to Jesus, has featured voiceovers that the actors claim were not recorded specifically for this production.

Fox News officials responded to the concerns by stating that the audio was acquired through legitimate licensing agreements and that the broadcaster followed all necessary legal protocols in using the material. They emphasized that the project was created using archival recordings and that no new recordings were made with the actors for the podcast.

The controversy emerged after multiple actors publicly expressed surprise upon learning their voices were featured in the series. Kristen Bell’s representative told media outlets that Bell had not been informed that her past recordings would be incorporated into the Fox News project, and that she had no involvement in the podcast’s production.

Similarly, Malcolm McDowell’s team reiterated that the actor’s recordings dated back to a separate endeavor from approximately 15 years ago and were repurposed without his knowledge. Both actors’ representatives indicated that the reuse of these recordings raises questions about consent and transparency in the use of archival material.

Fox News has not disclosed the original source of the recordings or the nature of the prior project for which the actors recorded their voices. The broadcaster maintains that all usage complies with contractual agreements and that the podcast’s production team did not engage the actors directly for new recordings.

The situation highlights ongoing industry discussions about the rights and permissions involved in repurposing archival audio and video content, especially as new media formats increasingly incorporate historical material. Experts note that while licensing agreements can permit reuse, ethical considerations about informing performers remain a topic of debate.

As of now, there have been no public statements from other actors involved in the podcast beyond Bell and McDowell, nor has Fox News indicated whether it will alter its use of the recordings or address the concerns raised by the performers’ representatives.

The Fox News Jesus podcast continues to be available on major platforms, drawing attention both for its content and the recent controversy surrounding its production methods.