India, Oct. 27 -- The creators of an artificial intelligence (AI) pop band have apologised after claiming that one of its virtual singers was stepping away from the group because she was pregnant. The announcement sparked widespread criticism online, with social media users accusing the creators of trivialising women's reproductive experiences.

Babyqueen, a K-pop-inspired group featuring five virtual members, was launched in September. Each member has a separate social media account and a distinct persona designed to engage fans and give the AI-generated performers their own online lives.

According to a report by Metro, the controversy began when Mity, the group's purported lead singer, announced her 'pregnancy' in a post on Chinese soc...