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Scarlett Johansson says that OpenAI approached her to use her voice | TechCrunch

May 21, 2024 - techcrunch.com
OpenAI is discontinuing the use of a voice, named Sky, in its ChatGPT system after users noted its similarity to actress Scarlett Johansson's voice. Johansson herself has hired legal counsel to investigate the development of the Sky voice. OpenAI, which used the voice during a demo of its new GPT-4o model, insists that Sky's voice is not an imitation of Johansson's but belongs to a different professional actress. The company has declined to reveal the identity of the actress for privacy reasons.

Johansson released a statement saying that OpenAI had approached her in September about providing the voice for the system, but she declined. She expressed shock upon hearing the released demo, noting the striking similarity to her own voice. As a result, she hired legal counsel and OpenAI has agreed to change the Sky voice. The company plans to introduce additional voices to better match the diverse interests and preferences of users.

Key takeaways:

  • OpenAI is removing a voice used by ChatGPT, known as Sky, after users noted its similarity to actress Scarlett Johansson's voice. Johansson has hired legal counsel to inquire about the voice and its development.
  • The company denies that the voice was intended to mimic Johansson's, stating that it belongs to a different professional actress. The company has paused the use of the Sky voice.
  • Johansson released a statement saying that she was approached by OpenAI in September about providing her voice for the system, but declined. She expressed shock and anger when she heard the released demo of the Sky voice.
  • OpenAI plans to introduce additional voices in ChatGPT to better match the diverse interests and preferences of users. The company aims for its chatbots' voices to sound "approachable" and to "inspire trust."
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