Scarlett Johansson claimed that she was called by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in September of last year to provide feedback on the ChatGPT 4.0 system, but she turned him down. Following the introduction of “Sky,” a voice-emulating software, Johansson claimed she had retained legal counsel to obtain further details regarding the process by which the corporation developed the AI voice model, causing it to “pause” its use as of right now.
In a statement received by NPR on Monday, May 20, Johansson said, “When I heard the released demo, I was shocked, angered, and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference.”
Two days prior to ChatGPT 4.0’s release, according to Johansson, Altman contacted her representatives and begged her to think again. However, the demo starring Sky was released before they could meet.
The statement also makes reference to Altman’s tweet from May 13 that used the term “her,” referring to the Joaquin Phoenix movie from 2013 in which Johansson provided the voice of Samantha, an AI assistant. “Her” has been dubbed Altman’s favourite film.
“I think these are questions that deserve absolute clarity in a time when we are all grappling with deepfakes and the protection of our own likeness, our own work, and our own identities,” Johansson said. “I look forward to resolution in the form of appropriate legislation being passed and transparency helping to ensure that individual rights are protected.”
The publicist for Johannson did not reply to IndieWire’s request for more information right away.
In a blog post published on Monday, OpenAI clarified that Sky is not a voice model but rather the “natural speaking voice” of another voice actress who has not been named but has received payment for her services. It further stated that Sky is not a parody of Johansson’s voice.
“Sky’s voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson but belongs to a different professional actress using her own natural speaking voice,” the statement states. “We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice.” “We are unable to disclose the names of our voice talent in order to respect their privacy.”
OpenAI announced five voices—including Sky—as a vocal feature to complement ChatGPT 4.0. The voices, according to OpenAI, were chosen from more than 400 entries and worked with “award-winning casting directors and producers.”
