Key Points:
- Scarlett Johansson accuses OpenAI of using her voice for an AI avatar without consent.
- Leaked documents suggest the similarity was unintentional, with another actress hired months prior.
- OpenAI and News Corp form a groundbreaking partnership to enhance AI-driven journalism.
Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI: The Ongoing Voice Dispute
Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of replicating her voice for the ChatGPT avatar “Sky.” However, leaked documents indicate that the resemblance was unintentional. According to internal records, another actress was contracted for the role months before any interaction with Johansson. The casting call described the desired voice as “warm, engaging, and charismatic” but did not reference Johansson or her film “Her.”
Interviews with those involved in the avatar’s development corroborate that no one was directed to mimic Johansson’s voice. The hired voice actress’s agent confirmed that OpenAI discussed neither Johansson nor her work.
Despite this, Johansson may pursue legal action, claiming the voice similarity constitutes misappropriation. Legal experts cite precedents where celebrities have successfully protected their distinctive voices from unauthorized use.
OpenAI and News Corp: A New Era for AI and Journalism
OpenAI partnered with News Corp in a landmark collaboration, founded by Rupert Murdoch. This alliance grants OpenAI access to an extensive archive of news content from prestigious outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The Times, enhancing AI models such as GPT-4o, Sora, and Surface.
This partnership aims to elevate the quality of AI-generated content by integrating journalistic rigor and standards. News Corp CEO Robert Thomson and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the alliance’s potential to set new benchmarks for digital truth and value, marking a pivotal moment for journalism and technology.
