Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against OpenAI for using a voice resembling hers in its ChatGPT chatbot without her permission, causing concerns in Hollywood about digital copies of performers’ voices.
Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against OpenAI, alleging the artificial intelligence company used a voice almost identical to hers for its ChatGPT chatbot without her consent. Johansson states she initially declined CEO Sam Altman’s offer in September 2023 to voice the AI assistant. Despite her refusal, the chatbot, named Sky, featured a voice so similar to Johansson’s that it confused her friends.
In response to legal notices from Johansson’s team, Altman removed the voice and issued an apology, stating the likeness was unintended. This incident has stirred concerns in Hollywood regarding the unauthorized use of digital copies of performers’ voices and likenesses.
Previously, Johansson confronted Disney over the simultaneous release of “Black Widow” in theaters and on its streaming platform, which resulted in a legal dispute settled in her favor. Johansson’s actions highlight ongoing tensions between tech innovations and the entertainment industry.
