Scarlett Johansson has raised objections to OpenAI's utilization of a voice for its ChatGPT system, asserting its striking similarity to her own voice after she rebuffed an offer to voice the chatbot. Johansson's statements emerged following OpenAI's decision to remove the voice, named 'Sky.'
In a statement relayed to Reuters, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman clarified that Sky's voice was not intended as an imitation of Johansson's, emphasizing that it belonged to a different professional actress. "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," Altman affirmed. He further expressed regret for the miscommunication with Johansson and the consequent decision to halt the use of Sky's voice out of respect for her.
The episode underscores the burgeoning concerns in Hollywood surrounding the use of AI to replicate actors' voices and images. As the industry explores AI's potential in entertainment, discerning between human and AI-generated performances becomes increasingly challenging.
Johansson disclosed that Altman had approached her last September with an offer to voice a ChatGPT system, which she declined. "Nine months later, my friends, family, and the general public all noted how much the newest system named 'Sky' sounded like me," Johansson remarked. Expressing shock and dismay at the striking resemblance, Johansson emphasized her disbelief that such a likeness could be achieved without her involvement.
Moreover, Johansson highlighted Altman's reference to the 2013 film "Her," wherein she voices an AI assistant, insinuating intentional resemblance. Her statement, disseminated by her publicist to NPR, Reuters, and other media outlets, underscored her resolve in seeking legal counsel to ascertain the process behind Sky's voice creation.
OpenAI's recent unveiling of GPT-4o, featuring advanced audio capabilities facilitating real-time spoken interactions with the chatbot, marks a significant stride in AI's evolution towards lifelike conversations.
This controversy underscores the ethical quandaries arising from AI's integration into the entertainment realm. As AI continues to advance, safeguarding individuals' rights and identities in digital spaces becomes paramount. Johansson's experience underscores the importance of transparency and consent in navigating the complex intersections between technology and personal representation.