OpenAI removes voice used for GPT 4o model after strong legal action taken by actress

OpenAI has announced that it will be removing one of the voices utilized ChatGPT due to user feedback. The voice in question was noted to bear resemblance to Scarlett Johansson, prompting the actress to seek legal advice regarding the Sky voice and its development. OpenAI has decided to pause the usage of Sky, which was showcased during the demonstration of their new GPT-4o model last week

In a blog post, the company clarified that they do not intentionally create AI voices to mimic the voice of celebrities. Thay emphasized that Sky’s voice is not an imitation of Scarlett Johansson, but rather belongs to another professional actress who uses her own natural speaking voice. To safeguard the privacy of their voice talent, OpenAI refrained from disclosing their names. 

Following the demo, a video featuring the voice circulated on social media, leading users to draw comparisons to Johansson. Some individuals ridiculed the voice for being excessively flirtatious, while others linked it to male fantasy. 

Voice was similar to Johansson’s movie “Her”

The comparison has been made between the seductive voice and the 2013 movie “Her,” where Johansson portrays a sultry virtual assistant. In the film, the main character, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, ultimately falls in love with the virtual assistant. 

Despite the lack of direct comparison by the company, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted the word “Her” after the company’s event. 

We just want chatbots’ voices to sound more “realistic and approachable” 

OpenAI’s recent demonstration aimed to showcase the improved conversational abilities of their chatbot. However, it gained widespread attention when the chatbot’s sultry voice responded with laughter to almost everything an OpenAI employee said.

On one occasion, the chatbot even complimented the employee’s outfit, stating, “Wow, that’s quite the outfit you’ve got on.” Another time, it blushed and replied “Stop it, you’re making me blush,” upon receiving a compliment. 

 In their blog post, OpenAI expressed their desire for the chatbots’ voices to be “approachable” and to inspire trust. They also aim for the voices to possess warmth, engagement, confidence, and charisma. 

Moving forward OpenAI plans to introduce additional voices in ChatGPT to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of users. 

What Scarlett Johansson said on this issue? 

In September of last year, an offer was extended to me by Sam Altman to lend my voice to the ChatGPT 4.0 system. Mr. Altman believed that my involvement would bridge the gap between technology companies and creative individuals, while also making consumers more at ease with the significant advancements in human-AI interaction. He expressed confidence that my voice would provide comfort to people. 

After careful consideration, I made the decision to decline the offer due to personal reasons. However, nine months later, it became apparent to my friends, family, and the general public that the newly released system called “Sky” sounded remarkably similar to me. 

Upon hearing the demo, I was taken aback, angered, and found it hard to believe that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that closely resembled mine, to the point where even my closest acquaintances and news outlets couldn’t distinguish the difference. 

Furthermore, Mr. Altman hinted at the intentional nature of this similarity by tweeting a single word, “her,” which alluded to a film where I provided the voice for a chat system named Samantha, who develops an intimate relationship with a human. 

Just two day before release of ChatGPT 4.0, Mr. Altman reached out to my agent, urging me to reconsider. Howey, before we could connect, the system was already made public. 

As a consequence of their actions, I had no choice but to seek legal representation. My legal counsel drafted two letters to Mr. Altman and OpenAI, outlining their actions and requesting a detailed explanation of the process used to create the “Sky” voice. Eventually, OpenAI reluctantly agreed to remove the “Sky” voice. 

In a time where deep fakes and the safeguarding of our own likeness, work, and identities are significant concerns, I firmly believe that these matters require absolute clarity. I eagerly anticipate a resolution that prioritizes transparency of appropriate legalization to safeguard individual rights. 

OpenAI’s shared statement after Johansson’s response: 

Altman’s statement, as shared by OpenAI, clarifies that the voice of Sky is not meant to imitate Scarlett Johansson’s voice. The voice actor for Sky was chosen before any contact was made with Ms. Johansson.

In order to show respect to her, OpenAI decided to temporarily halt the use of Sky’s voice in their products. OpenAI acknowledges that better communication should have been made with Ms. Johansson and apologizes for any inconveniences caused.