Google’s algorithm just cost a Grammy-nominated artist a gig, and your venue could be next. Ashley MacIsaac, the three-time Juno-winning Cape Breton fiddler, watched his December 19 performance at Sipekne’katik First Nation vanish after Google’s AI overview falsely branded him a sex offender. The venue, acting on what appeared to be authoritative search results, pulled the plug on a show that represented both artistic collaboration and reconciliation work. This incident exposes how venues increasingly depend on AI-mediated information for booking decisions, creating vulnerability when algorithms fail. Corporate accountability for algorithmic errors remains largely untested legal territory.
The Digital Mix-Up That Cancelled Christmas
The algorithm apparently confused MacIsaac—known for blending traditional Celtic fiddle with contemporary rock—with another Canadian man sharing his name. Sipekne’katik First Nation based their cancellation decision directly on Google’s AI-generated summary claiming the musician faced criminal convictions. The venue later issued a public apology, acknowledging “the harm this caused to your reputation and livelihood” and praising MacIsaac’s “commitment to reconciliation.” Damage was done: a scheduled performance disappeared, relationships strained, and an artist’s reputation hung in digital limbo.
Fighting Back Against Machine Defamation
MacIsaac isn’t staying quiet about what he calls clear defamation. “You are being put into a less secure situation because of a media company—that’s what defamation is,” he stated, emphasizing the real-world consequences beyond lost income. The musician highlighted border crossing scenarios where false information could lead to detention. “Something has to be figured out as far as what the AI companies are responsible for,” he said. Law firms have reportedly shown interest in taking the case, suggesting potential for landmark litigation around AI liability. Reputation damage affects careers across entertainment industries, as this incident demonstrates.
When Search Results Shape Business Decisions
Google Canada spokesperson Wendy Manton confirmed the error, explaining that AI overviews aim to show “helpful” information but can misinterpret web content. The company promised system improvements but offered no specific remediation or liability framework. Meanwhile, venues increasingly rely on quick online searches for artist vetting—a practice this incident exposes as potentially dangerous. MacIsaac plans to reschedule the cancelled show, but the precedent remains troubling for an industry where reputation drives bookings and false information spreads faster than corrections.
