Scarlett Johansson accuses OpenAI of mimicking her voice without consent

OpenAI admitted concerns over the voice in question and said it would ‘pause the use’ of it.

Allegations Against OpenAI

Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of using a voice strikingly similar to hers in its latest ChatGPT 4.0 system after she declined an offer to lend her voice. 

The “North Star” actress revealed in a statement to PEOPLE on May 20 that she had received an offer from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in September 2023 to use her voice for the system.

Initial Offer and Rejection

Altman had explained his rationale, expressing that Johansson’s voice could help bridge the gap between technology companies and creatives, and make consumers more comfortable with the growing role of AI.

He believed her voice would provide comfort to users during the transition. Despite these assurances, Johansson declined the offer for personal reasons.

Discovery of the Similar Voice

Nine months later, Johansson and those close to her noticed the uncanny resemblance between her voice and the new AI system, named “Sky.” Johansson stated that she was “shocked, angered, and in disbelief” upon hearing the demo. 

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She claimed that Altman had insinuated the similarity was intentional, pointing to a message he posted on X (formerly Twitter) that referenced “her,” a possible nod to the film “Her” where Johansson voiced a virtual assistant named Samantha.

Film Reference and Reconsideration Request

In the 2013 Spike Jonze film “Her,” Johansson’s character forms an intimate relationship with a human, played by Joaquin Phoenix. 

Johansson suggested that Altman’s reference to the movie was a deliberate indication of his intent. Just two days before the ChatGPT 4.0 demo was unveiled, Altman reportedly reached out to Johansson’s agent, asking her to reconsider her decision.

Response and Future Actions

Johansson has expressed her frustration and disbelief at the situation, indicating that the resemblance of the AI’s voice to hers was not coincidental but rather a calculated move by OpenAI. 

The actress has yet to announce any legal actions but her statement highlights significant concerns about the use of voice likenesses without explicit consent.

As AI technology continues to evolve, this incident raises important questions about ethical boundaries and the protection of personal identity in the digital age.