ChatGPT suspends voice 'eerily similar' to Scarlett Johansson after ...
Scarlett Johansson says she was “shocked” and “angered” at how “eerily similar” one of the voices in ChatGPT sounded to hers.
Similarity to Scarlett Johansson
OpenAI decided to “pause” the use of one of the voices in ChatGPT after comparisons were made with the Hollywood actress, Scarlett Johansson. Users pointed out the resemblance between Johansson’s voice and one of the voice options named Sky found within the app. Following an update that made ChatGPT more conversational and even flirtatious, the similarity became more apparent.
Background
Scarlett Johansson is known for providing the voice for the AI interface in the 2013 film, Her. The movie portrays a near-future scenario where Joaquin Phoenix's character develops feelings for a virtual assistant.
In response to the comparisons, OpenAI stated, “We’ve heard questions about how we chose the voices in ChatGPT, especially Sky. We are working to pause the use of Sky while we address them.”
Johansson's Reaction
In a statement, Johansson mentioned that the CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, had approached her to lend her voice to the system, emphasizing that it would be “comforting to people” uneasy with the technology. Despite the offer, Johansson declined for personal reasons. She later expressed her dismay at the voice named ‘Sky’ bearing a striking resemblance to hers.
OpenAI's Response
OpenAI responded by confirming that the voice named Sky does not imitate Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice. The company acknowledged the concerns raised and agreed to take down the Sky voice following legal intervention by Johansson.
Future Developments
OpenAI recently introduced its new AI model, GPT-4o, with an emphasis on more human-like responses. These updates are set to enhance the conversational abilities of the app's voices, although they have not been implemented yet.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
