Scarlett Johansson Enlists Lawyer After OpenAI Mimics Her Voice: ‘I Was Surprised, Upset, and Disbelieving’

Actress Scarlett Johansson has taken legal action against OpenAI, accusing the company of replicating her voice using artificial intelligence technology. The dispute arose after OpenAI unveiled its AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, featuring a voice that Johansson claims sounds remarkably similar to her own.

Johansson revealed that she was approached by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to lend her voice to the chatbot but declined the offer for personal reasons. Despite her refusal, OpenAI proceeded to use a voice that Johansson believes closely mimics her own, leading her to seek legal counsel.

In response, OpenAI denied intentionally imitating Johansson’s voice, stating that the voice in question belongs to a different actress using her natural speaking voice. The company emphasized the importance of respecting privacy and avoiding deliberate celebrity voice imitations.

The use of AI to replicate celebrity voices has raised concerns in various industries, with instances of scammers using AI to mimic voices for fraudulent activities. Artists like Bad Bunny have also expressed outrage over AI imitations of their songs going viral.

Johansson, known for her roles in Marvel movies and the film “Her,” has become a prominent figure in the discussion surrounding AI ethics and celebrity voice replication. The legal battle between Johansson and OpenAI highlights the complex intersection of technology, privacy, and intellectual property rights in the digital age.