Scarlett Johansson Says She Was 'Shocked' and 'Angered' Over OpenAI's Use of Voice Similar to Hers
Actor Scarlett Johansson recently revealed that she declined OpenAI's request for her voice to be used in their ChatGPT system, only to discover that a voice similar to hers was used without her consent. Johansson expressed feeling "shocked" and "angered" by the situation.
In a statement to Variety, Johansson shared that her lawyers reached out to OpenAI to have the voice of Sky, one of the new voices in the GPT-4o chatbot, taken down.
OpenAI's Use of Johansson's Voice
Last week, OpenAI introduced the Sky voice, which bore a striking resemblance to the AI companion voiced by Johansson in the movie "Her." Following the controversy, OpenAI decided to "pause" the use of the Sky voice, emphasizing that it was not intended to mimic Scarlett Johansson's voice deliberately.
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Johansson's Response
Upon hearing the released demo with the similar voice, Johansson expressed disbelief and frustration. She highlighted how the situation not only shocked her but also raised concerns about the boundaries between technology and personal identity.
Johansson called for legislative measures to safeguard individuals from unauthorized use of their likeness or voice, especially in the era of deepfakes and digital replication.
OpenAI's Apology
OpenAI, in response, clarified that the voice of Sky was not intended to resemble Scarlett Johansson's voice and apologized for the misunderstanding. The company acknowledged the need for better communication and respect for individuals' rights.
Support for Johansson's Cause
SAG-AFTRA backed Johansson's stance and echoed her plea for legislation to protect individuals' voices and likenesses from misuse or replication without consent.
Despite the controversy, Johansson remains committed to seeking clarity, transparency, and legal protection for individuals in the digital landscape.
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