SAN FRANCISCO – Jack Conte, CEO of creator subscription platform Patreon, issued a dire warning today that artificial intelligence companies are poised to unleash a “bloodbath” on the world’s creative people unless they begin compensating artists for their contributions. The impassioned plea comes from the head of a company that currently takes a 5-12% cut of creators’ earnings.

“It’s simply unacceptable that these massive tech companies are profiting off the backs of artists without proper remuneration,” Conte stated in an exclusive interview, reportedly while adjusting his solid gold, diamond-encrusted monocle. “The creator economy is being left out, loudly and notably, and someone needs to stand up for these vulnerable artists who are just trying to make a living.”

Industry observers were quick to praise Conte’s newfound commitment to creator compensation. “It’s truly inspiring to see a platform that has built its entire business model on taking a percentage of artists’ direct income suddenly discover the moral imperative of paying creators,” noted Dr. Evelyn Finch, a professor of digital ethics at the University of California, Berkeley. “The irony is so thick you could spread it on toast.”

Conte clarified that his concerns about compensation apply exclusively to AI companies, and not, for example, to platforms that facilitate direct fan payments while skimming a significant portion. “That’s different,” he added, without elaborating further. “Completely different.”