Scarlett Johansson recently shared her concerns about a disagreement with OpenAI, after the company allegedly used a voice eerily similar to hers for a new ChatGPT system. Back in May, Scarlett and those close to her noticed a striking resemblance between her voice and the new voice option, 'Sky.' Understandably upset, she filed a complaint with OpenAI, which led to the removal of the voice option.
At the premiere of her new film 'Fly Me To The Moon,' Scarlett discussed this clash with OpenAI, emphasising the urgent need for AI legislation to protect individuals. "We’re all waiting and supporting the passing of legislation to protect everybody’s individual rights," she stated. "This highlights how vulnerable everybody is to [AI] and how little protection people do have – if any – of their work in their likeness."
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Scarlett further elaborated on her experience in May. After hearing the similarities between her voice and 'Sky,' she also noticed a tweet from Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, which she interpreted as a reference to her role in the film 'Her.'
In the film, she voices an AI that becomes a love interest for Joaquin Phoenix’s character. Scarlett revealed that Altman had previously approached her to voice one of ChatGPT's 'Voice Mode' options, which she declined. Despite her refusal, Altman contacted her agent, urging her to reconsider. Before they could have a proper discussion, the system was launched with a controversial voice.
OpenAI has since removed the 'Sky' option but denies that it was ever meant to mimic Scarlett's voice. Altman responded, “The voice of Sky is not Scarlett Johansson’s, and it was never intended to resemble hers. We cast the voice actor behind Sky’s voice before any outreach to Ms. Johansson. Out of respect for Ms Johansson, we have paused using Sky’s voice in our products. We are sorry to Ms. Johansson that we didn’t communicate better.”
