OpenAI Removes AI Voice After Scarlett Johansson Raises Legal Alarms
OpenAI pulls its "Sky" voice assistant after Scarlett Johansson demands answers over its striking similarity to her own voice. The actress reveals that CEO Sam Altman pursued her for a licensing deal months before the controversial rollout.
Scarlett Johansson speaks out against OpenAI after the company unveils a new AI voice assistant that listeners immediately compare to her performance in the movie "Her." Her legal team sends two letters to OpenAI demanding details about how the company develops its "Sky" voice, prompting a sudden reversal from the tech giant.
CEO Sam Altman attempts to hire Johansson to license her voice for the project nine months ago, but she declines the offer for personal reasons. Altman reaches out to her team again just two days before the public demonstration, yet she still refuses to participate in the AI rollout.
OpenAI ultimately removes the controversial voice, stating that it needs to address questions about its voice selection process. The company faces intense public scrutiny as Johansson expresses feeling shocked and angered by the situation, especially since Altman actively invited the cinematic comparisons by posting the word "Her" online.