Every single generative model in existence was produced by stealing the work of artists for training data.

There is no nuance to this. Never mind the argument about generative AI taking away potential future work from artists. The training of these models is theft now. To use these models is to be complicit in the theft.

Edit: the people who downvote this while making no counterargument are doing so because they wish to remain in denial, so that they do not have to admit to themselves that they are complicit in the theft.