Scarlett Johansson has claimed that the newest features of ChatGPT 4.0 feature a voice that closely mirrors hers, even though she did not authorise its use. This assertion has ignited a dispute between the Hollywood actress and OpenAI, the developers of the widely recognized AI chatbot.
Voice of code-named “Sky” is similar to mine – Scarlett
The problem stems from a recently released voice option in a recent version of ChatGPT- 4.0. Scarlett Johansson asserts that the voice of code-named “Sky” is remarkably similar to her own, particularly the one she used to play Samantha, the AI character in the science fiction movie “Her.”
Scarlett Johansson reportedly turned down an invitation from OpenAI to lend her voice to the project in the past. The actress has taken a strong stance against the alleged unlawful use of a voice identical to hers.
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Speaking to Bobby Allan of NPR, Scarlett Johansson remarks, “Last September, I received an offer from Sam Altman, who wanted to hire me to voice the current ChatGPT 4.0 system. He told me that he felt that by my voicing the system, I could bridge the gap between tech companies and creatives and help consumers to feel comfortable with the seismic shift concerning humans and Al.”
“He said he felt that my voice would be comforting to people. After much consideration and for personal reasons, I declined the offer. Nine months later, my friends, family and the general public all noted how much the newest system named “Sky” sounded like me,” she added.
X’link-https://x.com/BobbyAllyn/status/1792679435701014908
The OpenAI CEO reflects on the controversy
In response to Scarlett’s statement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman apologised by stating, “sorry”, “we didn’t communicate better.”
“The voice of Sky is not Scarlett Johansson’s, and it was never intended to resemble hers,” Altman said. “We cast the voice actor behind Sky’s voice before any outreach to Ms. Johansson.”
“Out of respect for Ms. Johansson, we have paused using Sky’s voice in our products. We are sorry to Ms. Johansson that we didn’t communicate better.” he added.
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Dangers of A.I. and new guidelines for actors?
Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against the unauthorised use of AI-generated voices mimicking hers highlights the urgent need for stronger laws in the entertainment industry to protect performers’ intellectual property.
By addressing AI misuse to replicate her voice, Scarlett draws significant attention to the broader impacts of AI on personal and artistic rights. Her case is a powerful call for lawmakers to create clear, comprehensive regulations that safeguard individual identities and creative works from exploitation.
This Article has been written by Suva Akash Mohanty, a budding journalist who’s currently honing his craft as a writer. With a sharp focus on truthfulness, he aims to reveal and share genuine information, upholding the values of ethical journalism.
