An actor who alleged that a ChatGPT update used a voice imitation of hers stated that she refused to provide her own voice for it, as it conflicted with her core values.
Scarlett Johansson has criticized OpenAI and deepfake technology, expressing that she was deeply disturbed and angry when the company apparently used a voice similar to hers for its ChatGPT system, Sky.
Earlier this year, Johansson revealed that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, had approached her in September 2023 to lend her voice to Sky, inspired by her role in the film Her. She declined for personal reasons. When Sky was released in May, Altman tweeted “her” in reference to Johansson.
After Johansson’s public statement and legal action to remove the voice from Sky, OpenAI complied but argued that Sky’s voice was not an imitation of Johansson’s but that of a different actress using her own natural voice.
Altman later clarified that the actress voicing Sky was hired before Johansson was approached and apologized, saying they had paused Sky out of respect for her.
Johansson told the New York Times that she had tried to avoid involvement in the AI debate and was shocked to find herself entangled in it. She expressed frustration and disappointment, noting that she didn’t want to be at the forefront of the issue and had kept the matter private, considering her children’s perspective as well.
Johansson described deepfake technology as a “dark wormhole” that’s nearly impossible to escape. She explained that once an issue is resolved in one place, it can reappear elsewhere due to differing regulations in other countries. She highlighted the potential for deepfake porn and similar threats to completely ruin lives, especially when used for revenge.
She added that technology evolves faster than our ability to understand and manage it, with particularly severe effects on young people. She compared the spread of this technology to a massive wave.
When asked if Altman could make a good Marvel villain, Johansson humorously suggested he might, perhaps with a robotic arm.
Johansson’s recent public dispute with OpenAI followed her earlier legal battle with Disney over Black Widow. The film was released both in theaters and on Disney+ during the pandemic, which Johansson argued violated her contract, as it was supposed to be an exclusive theatrical release tied to her compensation.
Disney’s initial reaction was to disclose Johansson’s $20 million upfront fee, which Johansson criticized as “misogynistic.” The dispute was eventually settled with Disney reportedly paying her over $40 million.
Reflecting on the Disney conflict, Johansson told the New York Times she didn’t hold a grudge but felt the situation stemmed from poor judgment and leadership. She found the whole ordeal unprofessional and was deeply disappointed, though she eventually had to take action after her team insisted.