Scarlett speculates that her voice was used for OpenAI

Actor Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of using a voice for ChatGPT’s ‘Sky’ system, a popular AI chatbot, that closely resembles hers without her consent. OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, denied the allegations and removed the contested voice. Altman clarified that the voice belongs to a different professional actress and was not intended to imitate Johansson. Johansson revealed that Altman had approached her in September 2023 to voice ChatGPT, but she declined the offer. Upon hearing the demo, she expressed shock and disbelief, noting that it sounded so similar to her voice that even her friends and news outlets were fooled. Johansson’s statement highlighted her frustration and anger at the situation, especially given the resemblance to her voice work in the film ‘Her’.

Following Johansson’s public statement, OpenAI issued an apology and paused the use of Sky’s voice. One user on X (formerly Twitter) linked the incident to Altman’s previous firing from OpenAI, commenting, “Sam Altman cannot be trusted. No wonder why he was fired from OpenAI last Nov.” Another user referenced Johansson’s firm stance against Disney, implying she would similarly challenge OpenAI: “She didn’t play with Disney, she’s not gonna play with OpenAI.” A user humorously suggested renaming the system to ‘Skynet,’ a nod to the AI from the ‘Terminator’ series, saying, “They should change the name from Sky to Skynet. Helps build trust.” These reactions underline the seriousness of the situation and the public’s demand for accountability.

This incident, which has captured public attention, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and ethical considerations in using celebrity likenesses in AI technology. It raises profound questions about consent and the boundaries of digital replication, forcing us to confront the potential misuse of technology and the need for robust ethical frameworks.

[Image Source: West Observer]