Scarlett Johansson was approached by OpenAI in September to lend her voice to the ChatGPT-4o remake. Although she initially agreed, after much reflection, the actress ultimately decided to decline the offer. Despite her rejection, OpenAI went ahead with its plan and featured a voice similar to hers in the new system called Sky, which was noticed by Johansson’s friends, family, and the public at large.
Before making a public statement about the situation, OpenAI announced that it would be withdrawing the Sky voice. The company clarified that AI voices should not deliberately imitate the voice of a celebrity and that the voice belonged to a different professional actress using her natural voice. When Johansson learned of this decision, she expressed shock and anger, citing evidence that OpenAI had intentionally copied her voice without permission.
The controversy surrounding Johansson’s case raises important questions about artificial intelligence and ethical considerations in the entertainment industry. As AI continues to advance, there are concerns about how these technologies will be used without proper consent or oversight. Additionally, Johansson’s experience highlights issues with celebrity rights and ownership of their image or likeness.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has faced criticism for his handling of this situation. Creatives have struggled with AI systems appropriating their work without permission, and Johansson’s case is just one example of this problem. Moreover, Altman’s behavior raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the company.
Johansson emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals’ rights in emerging technologies like deepfakes. She stresses that appropriate legislation is needed to safeguard identities and intellectual property rights. This case underscores a clash between artistic integrity, technological advancements, and ethical considerations in an increasingly complex landscape of artificial intelligence and celebrity rights.
In conclusion, Scarlett Johansson’s experience with OpenAI highlights important issues surrounding artificial intelligence and celebrity rights. While technology may offer new opportunities for creative expression and innovation, it also raises important questions about privacy protection and ethical considerations in an evolving landscape of media production.
