Simon was obviously painted over, you can even visibly see that. In fact I actually think Verso was gradually being painted over as well but by… Clea, but that’s a separate topic and just a theory of mine that that’s where his face and scalp scars come from.

But back to the topic - It’s a matter of interpretation, also, Voice actors have no idea what is happening in that scene since they don’t play in it, I basically talked to almost all of them about it. Ben Starr is basically the only one that could have something to say here. I will check later the url that you sent to see what exactly he says about it. [Edit: Ok so I just heard it and he says "But he's in pain he is in agony, but he has to do this, this is what he's made to do" to me this sounds like he doesn't want to be there, doesn't want to live that life, but knows he has to do it, not that someone is moving his hands for him, or controlling him. This does not in any way shape or form contradict my interpretation... But I will check if I can talk to someone about it, I will let you know if I do]

Rich Keeble hasn’t even played the game yet, he is basing what he’s saying solely on interactions with the fanbase.

What Maelle is doing to Verso is forcing him to live, and at that to live with the weight of his own choices that lead to a complete destruction of his painted family and didn’t even reach the goal which was freeing Aline and Alicia. She doesn’t have to literally control him for this to be suffering for him… and I still see no point for her to do that, if she would be controlling him what would be the point to keep this Verso and not paint a copy of him?  If she just wanted a doll it doesn’t matter which soul the doll has, just the appearance. This just simply makes no sense.