OpenAI Responds to Scarlett Johansson's Voice Controversy with AI Assistant 'Sky'
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OpenAI has officially denied claims by actress Scarlett Johansson that her voice was replicated for their AI assistant, Sky, in the newest version of ChatGPT. The controversy emerged after Johansson alleged that the AI's voice bore a striking resemblance to hers, which led to her shock and dismay.
Background of the Dispute
Reports indicate that OpenAI had already selected the voice for Sky well before their CEO, Sam Altman, approached Johansson with a proposal to use her voice. Altman's outreach was reportedly an attempt to bridge the gap between technology and creative sectors, rather than to replicate her voice directly.
Casting and Voice Selection
Documentation and statements from OpenAI and the voice actor's agent clarify that the chosen voice actor was selected for their "warm, engaging, and charismatic" qualities without any intent to mimic Johansson. The voice actor, who remains anonymous, asserts that their natural voice was used for Sky and that it was never meant to sound like Johansson.
OpenAI's Response and Actions
In response to the controversy, OpenAI has paused the use of Sky's voice in ChatGPT and issued an apology to Johansson, clarifying that any resemblance was unintentional. They highlighted a misunderstanding possibly linked to Altman's reference to the movie "Her," where Johansson voiced an AI character.
Legal Perspectives and Public Reaction
Legal experts suggest that Johansson might have grounds for a lawsuit, drawing parallels with historical cases where celebrities contested unauthorized use of their likenesses. The outcome of such legal actions remains speculative, but the incident has certainly ignited a debate on ethical AI development and celebrity rights.
