Actress Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of using her voice without permission, claiming that their ChatGPT feature’s 'Sky' voice closely resembles her own. The controversy erupted during OpenAI’s presentation of its latest model, with users noting similarities to Johansson’s portrayal of Samantha in the movie 'Her'. Prompted by this discovery, Johansson swiftly issued a statement threatening legal action.
In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman apologized, clarifying that Sky’s voice was not intended to mimic Johansson’s and that the voice actor had been cast prior to any contact with her. As a gesture of respect, OpenAI ceased using Sky’s voice in their products. Johansson countered, revealing that she had declined Altman’s invitation to lend her voice to ChatGPT and expressing shock at the striking resemblance between Sky’s voice and her own.
This isn’t the first time Johansson has clashed with AI companies over unauthorized use of her voice and likeness. In November 2023, she took legal action against an AI application for using her likeness without consent. The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the ownership of actors’ voices and likenesses in an era where AI is increasingly utilized in entertainment content creation.