Scarlett Johansson Astounded by Unauthorized Use of Her Voice in ChatGPT

Yesterday, BlueDot Web mentioned that OpenAI found a problem with the ChatGPT voice option "Sky," leading to its temporary removal. Users can no longer use the Sky voice in ChatGPT, and any previous settings have been reset to alternative voices.

OpenAI did not initially disclose why the voice, remarkably similar to Scarlett Johansson's, faced issues and was unavailable. However, new developments have emerged.

Sam Altman's "Pursuit" of Johansson Rejected:

Content released by Johansson's legal team reveals that as early as last year, OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman had repeatedly invited Johansson to voice ChatGPT, but she declined each request.

Even a few days before the launch of ChatGPT's voice conversation feature, Altman continued to extend invitations, hoping Johansson would reconsider. After careful thought and for personal reasons, Johansson declined the proposal once again.

Following the release of ChatGPT's voice feature, Johansson was astonished to find the built-in Sky voice was identical to her own, to the extent that even her close friends and the media could not distinguish between Johansson and Sky.

At that time, Altman even posted the word "Her" on his X/Twitter account, referencing the movie title where Johansson voiced the main character, an AI-driven virtual girlfriend.

In a letter from her lawyer, Johansson stated:

"I am shocked, angry, and incredulous that Mr. Altman sought a voice so similar to mine that even my closest friends and the media could not tell the difference.

As we all strive to address deepfake issues and protect our likenesses, works, and identities, I believe these matters absolutely merit clarification.

I look forward to resolving this issue transparently and through appropriate legislation to help ensure the protection of individual rights."

OpenAI Claims Not to Imitate Johansson's Voice:

Yesterday, OpenAI released a blog post detailing the selection of voice actors, emphasizing that Sky's voice belonged to the voice actor themselves and was not intended to mimic any celebrity.

However, OpenAI's temporary cessation of Sky's voice hints at underlying issues, regardless of whether it reflects Altman's will or OpenAI's choice. For Johansson, who has previously been harmed by deepfake pornography, this situation is unacceptable.

In response to the letter from Johansson's legal team and her personal statement, OpenAI has yet to issue a response.

Update: OpenAI's model supervisor responded, stating they have been in dialogue with Johansson's team due to some confusion. OpenAI aims to take feedback seriously and listen to Johansson's team's concerns.