In 2024, Midjourney faced backlash after artists shared a Google Sheet alleging that the company used their work to train its AI program. Screenshots from Midjourney software developers discussing the creation of a database of artists were also posted online. The list of artists used by Midjourney included well-known names such as Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Vincent van Gogh, as well as contributors to the trading card game Magic the Gathering, including a six-year-old child. The list was part of a lawsuit amendment filed against Stability AI, Midjourney, and DeviantArt. Concerns about unauthorized use of artwork to train AI generators have led to the creation of tools to disrupt the process.
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/midjourney-ai-artists-database-1234691955/