Morgan Freeman has publicly criticized the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence to replicate his iconic voice in a viral TikTok video.
The 87-year-old actor expressed his gratitude to fans for their vigilance in identifying and reporting the misuse, which he labeled a “scam.”
Freeman’s voice, renowned for its distinctive baritone, was mimicked in a TikTok video posted by the account Justine’s Camera Roll.
The video, which the creator later described as an “obvious joke,” featured an AI-generated version of Freeman’s voice narrating a day in the life of her supposed “niece”.
The narration included humorous and exaggerated claims, such as the niece embezzling money to book a yacht.
Freeman took to social media on June 28, 2024, to address the issue, thanking his fans for their support in maintaining the authenticity and integrity of his voice.
He emphasized the importance of identity protection and labeled the AI-generated voice as a scam.
This incident is part of a broader trend where AI technology is used to replicate the voices and likenesses of celebrities without their consent. Other notable figures, including Scarlett Johansson and Drake, have also faced similar issues.
Johansson recently threatened legal action against OpenAI for using a voice eerily similar to hers in a chatbot, despite her refusal to collaborate with the company.
The unauthorized use of AI to replicate Freeman’s voice highlights ongoing concerns about the ethical implications of generative AI technology.
As the entertainment industry grapples with these challenges, there may be increased calls for regulatory measures to protect the identities and voices of public figures.
