Scarlett Johansson, known for her iconic voice work in the 2013 film 'Her,' has recently taken legal action against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman. The actress claims that OpenAI's AI model, named SkyVoice, closely resembles her own voice without her permission.
In a statement released by Johansson, she expressed shock and anger at the striking similarity between her voice and the one used for SkyVoice. Altman, on the other hand, maintains that the voice actor behind SkyVoice was selected through a rigorous process and was not intended to mimic any celebrity's voice.
Despite Johansson's refusal to lend her voice to OpenAI's project, Altman allegedly made attempts to persuade her to reconsider. The controversy escalated when SkyVoice was released, prompting Johansson to seek legal counsel to protect her likeness and identity.
OpenAI has since paused the use of SkyVoice and issued an apology to Johansson for the lack of communication. The incident has sparked a debate within the creative community about the ethical use of AI and the need for greater transparency and oversight.
Johansson's decision to take legal action highlights the growing concerns surrounding the use of AI technology in replicating human voices and identities. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individuals' rights in the age of advancing artificial intelligence.