Scarlett Johansson recently took a stand against OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, in an interview with The New York Times. The Her actor expressed her disapproval of Altman, suggesting that he would make a good Marvel villain, possibly with a robotic arm. The feud between Johansson and Altman began in May, when OpenAI allegedly used an imitation of Johansson’s voice as an AI virtual assistant in the 2013 film Her. Although OpenAI agreed to withdraw the voice option resembling Johansson’s, they claimed it was not an imitation of her voice. Johansson, however, was shocked and angered by the situation, as she had explicitly rejected OpenAI’s offer. She described feeling uncomfortable with the idea and stated that it went against her core values.
In her interview with The New York Times, Scarlett Johansson also raised concerns about AI-generated deepfakes, referring to them as a “dark wormhole you can never climb your way out of.” She emphasized the dangers of such technology, highlighting the potential for individuals’ lives to be ruined by deepfake manipulations. Johansson pointed out the global challenges associated with regulating deepfakes, especially across different countries with varying legislation and rules. She expressed her belief that technology is advancing at a rapid pace, surpassing our ability to comprehend its implications fully. Johansson emphasized the impact of technology on young people, likening it to a thousand-foot wave that is difficult to navigate.
Prior to the incident with OpenAI, Scarlett Johansson was embroiled in a legal battle with Disney over the release of her Marvel film, Black Widow. Disney deviated from their contractual agreement by releasing the film in theaters and streaming simultaneously on Disney+ Premier Access during the COVID-19 period in July 2021. Johansson argued that this decision would negatively impact her backend compensation, leading to a loss of millions of dollars. Disney retaliated by accusing Johansson of disregarding the global effects of the pandemic and disclosed her $20 million salary. Despite the contentious nature of the dispute, Johansson now states that she does not hold a grudge against Disney. She attributed the conflict to poor judgment and leadership, expressing disappointment in the handling of the situation. Johansson’s dissatisfaction with Disney’s decisions ultimately compelled her to take legal action to protect her interests.
As the controversy surrounding OpenAI and Disney continues to unfold, Scarlett Johansson remains focused on her acting career. Currently, she is starring in the romantic comedy, Fly Me to the Moon, which is showing in theaters. Johansson’s resilience and commitment to her craft are evident as she navigates through the challenges posed by industry disputes and technological advancements. Her dedication to upholding her principles and advocating for her rights reflect her unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
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