Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson has publicly criticized OpenAI, claiming that the company’s latest AI assistant voice bears an uncanny resemblance to her own without her consent.
In a detailed statement first reported by NPR, Johansson expressed her frustration and disbelief towards OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
She revealed that Altman had initially approached her last year, proposing that she lend her voice to the new AI assistant. Johansson declined the offer “after much consideration and for personal reasons.”
Despite her refusal, Altman reportedly contacted Johansson’s agent just days before the AI assistant’s release, attempting once more to secure her participation.
Before Johansson could respond, the new voice, “Sky,” was launched, and its familiarity took aback Johansson.
“When I heard the released demo, I was shocked, angered, and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that sounded so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference,” Johansson stated.
Adding to her suspicion, Johansson pointed out that Altman tweeted the word “her” upon Sky’s release.
This tweet seemed to reference the 2013 film “Her,” where Johansson voiced an AI assistant that forms a deep connection with the protagonist, played by Joaquin Phoenix.
Johansson’s accusations have sparked significant attention, raising questions about the ethical implications of using AI-generated voices that closely mimic real individuals without their permission.
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