OpenAI recently decided to remove ChatGPT’s voice from its Sky voice system after it was noted that it sounded very similar to Scarlett Johansson’s voice. However, new developments have emerged, and the actress has now spoken out and given her own account of the situation.
In a statement issued by OpenAI, it was mentioned that the voice in question is part of its five voice systems (Breeze, Cove, Ember, Juniper, and Sky), available in its premium version 4.0. This voice was selected from a casting of more than 400 proposals from around the world, submitted by those who wanted to be part of the project.
The voice accompaniment feature was initially introduced in September 2023 and quickly became one of the most beloved and utilized tools of ChatGPT. This feature comprises a system that recognizes user speech and responds in real-time to facilitate communication between us and the artificial intelligence.
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However, Scarlett Johansson has stated that Sky’s voice left her feeling “shocked, angry, and incredulous” due to how eerily similar it sounded to hers. She even mentions that for her loved ones and close acquaintances, there might not be a discernible difference between the two voices.
Later in the statement, it’s noted: “Altman even hinted that the similarity was intentional and tweeted a single word ‘HER,’ a reference to the movie where I voiced a chat system, Samantha, who forms an intimate relationship with a human.” As you probably recall, she and Joaquin Phoenix starred in ‘Her’ back in 2013.
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It seems Scarlett Johansson doesn’t intend to sue OpenAI or Altman for using a voice similar to hers but has instead requested them to “outline the exact process by which they created the Sky voice.” However, it’s unclear if the company intends to disclose the truth, as their move was to “reluctantly remove the Sky voice.”
Johansson’s lawyers wrote two letters to Altman and OpenAI. The statement concludes by highlighting Scarlett Johansson’s concerns about new technologies and how, if not properly utilized, they could become dangerous for users.
“In a time when we are all grappling with deepfakes and the protection of our own likeness, our own work, our own identities,” she concluded, “I believe these are questions that deserve absolute clarity. I look forward to resolution in the form of transparency and the passage of appropriate legislation to help ensure that individual rights are protected.”
OpenAI responded to concerns about the “Sky” voice on May 19, tweeting, “We’ve heard questions about how we chose the voices in ChatGPT, especially Sky. We are working to pause the use of Sky while we address them.”
The organization also clarified that the audio wasn’t intentionally trying to sound like Johansson.
“We believe AI voices shouldn’t intentionally copy a celebrity’s voice,” their statement from May 19 said. “Sky’s voice isn’t mimicking Scarlett Johansson’s, it’s a different actress using her own natural voice. To protect their privacy, we can’t reveal the names of our voice talents.”
This story was originally written in spanish by Alan Cruz for Cultura Colectiva.