Scarlett Johansson 'Angered' After ChatGPT Used 'Eerily Similar' Voice
Scarlett Johansson expressed her shock and anger towards OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for using a voice that closely resembled hers without her consent. Despite OpenAI's claim that they used the voice of an unnamed actress, Johansson's friends and even news outlets found it challenging to differentiate between the voices.
Johansson's Encounter with OpenAI
Johansson had discussions with OpenAI in September regarding the voice opportunity. The company's CEO pitched the idea of leveraging her voice to bridge the gap between technology and creativity. Eventually, Johansson decided not to partake in the project.
During a recent live demonstration by OpenAI, the ChatGPT voice named "Sky" was showcased, drawing parallels to Johansson's voice in the movie Her. The resemblance was so striking that many listeners associated it with the character she portrayed in the film.
Legal Action and Transparency
Alleging that Altman hinted at an intentional similarity between the voices by referencing the movie Her in a tweet, Johansson took legal action. Following communication with her agent, OpenAI agreed to remove the voice but only after legal intervention from Johansson.
OpenAI's Response
In its blog post, OpenAI defended its position, stating that the voice of "Sky" was developed by a different actress to avoid mimicking a celebrity's voice intentionally. They highlighted that the voice belonged to a professional actress using her natural speaking voice, distinct from Johansson's.
Despite the explanation, OpenAI decided to pause the use of "Sky." The incident has sparked discussions around the ethical use of AI-generated voices and the protection of individuals' identities in the digital realm.
