Grammarly has disabled its AI-powered “Expert Review” feature after facing legal action over the tool’s use of simulated feedback from well-known writers and public figures without their permission. The feature, available to paid subscribers, generated editorial-style critiques modeled on figures including Stephen King, Carl Sagan, Kara Swisher, and other prominent experts.
Journalist Julia Angwin filed a class action lawsuit against Superhuman, the parent company that owns Grammarly, alleging that the company violated privacy and publicity rights by using the names and likenesses of writers without consent. The lawsuit allows other affected individuals to join the case.
Following the controversy, Superhuman CEO Shishir Mehrotra confirmed that the feature had been disabled. While issuing an apology, Mehrotra indicated that the company continues to see potential in AI systems that simulate expert-style feedback to help users improve writing.
Criticism of the feature emerged after journalists including Casey Newton tested the tool and reported that its simulated commentary produced generic feedback despite invoking recognizable editorial personas.
