Last week, OpenAI made headlines when it introduced an upgraded version of ChatGPT-4o, an artificial intelligence (AI) model that can talk, laugh, and react like a real person. However, many users immediately noticed that the model’s voice sounded very similar to a real person – actress Scarlett Johansson.
In a surprising turn of events, Scarlett Johansson has officially accused OpenAI of using a “haunting” voice identical to hers for “Sky” – one of ChatGPT-4o’s voices.
The issue began with the ChatGPT demo that was released last week. The AI voice used in the demo was quickly compared to Scarlett Johansson’s role in the 2013 sci-fi film “Her,” where she voiced an AI virtual assistant. Adding fuel to the fire, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted “Her” shortly after the announcement of the new version of ChatGPT.
OpenAI has now removed the “Sky” voice from the model, and claims that it developed the AI voice from another actor, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons. The company insists that the voice is not a clone of Scarlett Johansson, but rather belongs to another professional actor, using that person’s own natural voice.
In a statement released today, Scarlett Johansson expressed her shock and anger when she heard the demo. She said that even close friends and news outlets could not distinguish the AI voice from her real one.
However, Scarlett Johansson’s statement revealed an important detail. Nine months ago, Sam Altman reportedly asked Scarlett Johansson to voice the new ChatGPT voice assistant, but she declined due to personal reasons. Just two days before the launch of GPT-4o, Sam Altman again contacted Scarlett Johansson to convince her, but the company went ahead with the launch before any agreement was reached.
As a result, Scarlett Johansson hired a lawyer and sent two letters to OpenAI asking for transparency about the development of the “Sky” voice. It seems that OpenAI’s removal of the voice was related to Johansson’s letters.
Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit highlights concerns about deepfake technology and the protection of personal image rights, work, and identity in the age of AI. It is becoming an important chapter in the ongoing debate about the ethical implications of AI technology.
