Scarlett Johansson says she declined Sam Altman's offer to voice ChatGPT
OpenAI demoed a voice for ChatGPT last week that many thought sounded like Scarlett Johansson. The actor said she declined an offer from Sam Altman to voice ChatGPT and was "angered" by the similarity. OpenAI said that it was pausing the voice and that it wasn't intended to imitate Johansson. Scarlett Johansson said in a statement that she was "shocked" and "angered" when OpenAI released a voice for its new GPT-4o model that sounded "eerily similar" to her own after she'd declined an offer from Sam Altman to voice the chatbot.
OpenAI's GPT-4o Model
OpenAI announced its GPT-4o model last week along with improved voice capabilities for its artificial-intelligence assistant, including several voice options. One of the voices immediately sparked comparisons to the movie "Her," in which a man falls in love with an AI chatbot voiced by Johansson. OpenAI said late Sunday night it was pausing the voice known as Sky, but it didn't specify why. In a blog post, the company said it worked with real voice actors to create each of the voices.
Response and Actions Taken
"We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity's distinctive voice — Sky's voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice," the blog post said. In a statement provided to Business Insider on Monday, Johansson said when she heard the Sky demo she was "in disbelief" that Altman would go with a voice that sounded so similar to hers. Altman clarified that the Sky voice wasn't Johansson's and wasn't intended to be similar to hers.
Legal Action and Resolution
Johansson mentioned that as a result of OpenAI's actions she was "forced to hire legal counsel," who sent letters to the company asking them to explain how the voice of Sky was made. OpenAI then "reluctantly" agreed to take down the voice. Johansson emphasized the importance of clarity and the need for legislation to protect individual rights in such situations.
OpenAI's Latest Model Introduction
OpenAI introduces GPT-4o, its faster and free for all new AI model with enhanced features and capabilities. This latest model aims to revolutionize the AI landscape by providing improved services to a wider audience.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the voice demo for ChatGPT highlights the delicate balance between technology advancement and ethical considerations in the use of AI voices.
