Charles Martinet–once the voice actor for one of gaming’s most iconic characters and now Nintendo’s official Mario Ambassador–has had to clarify his stance on voicing Mario for fans. After a viral post claimed Martinet was no longer allowed to do Mario’s voice, Martinet posted to explain that he simply won’t improvise lines for Mario.

After meeting with Martinet at a convention, YouTuber Ricky Berwick posted to X claiming the actor “wasn’t even allowed to do the voice of Mario or any of his iconic character’s voices.” In the replies, another user posted a similar story claiming Martinet couldn’t do the voice because he was “under a contract.” Berwick later clarified in a reply to his original post that Martinet did the Mario voice for him off camera, but “wasn’t allowed to” on video.

While fans were concerned about the possibility of a restrictive contract with Nintendo, Martinet replied to the post directly, explaining that what he will and won’t voice for fans at conventions is due to his own choices.

“I do the voice for every fan I meet,” Martinet promised in a reply. “I just don’t improvise non-Mario phrases or dialogue. That’s my choice to be sure. I always maintain the integrity of the character.”

Martinet first voiced Mario for 1996’s Super Mario 64, and has reprised his role for countless games since. Martinet was replaced as the character’s voice actor as of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, but has been given the official–if somewhat vague–title of Mario Ambassador. The role of Mario has now been taken up by voice actor Kevin Afghani, and Nintendo didn’t make a big fuss about the recasting–telling fans they could find out who the new actor was in the end credits for the game.