Morgan Freeman Condemns AI Voice Cloning as ‘Robbery’ and Mobilizes Legal Action
Morgan Freeman, one of Hollywood’s most
iconic voices, has publicly denounced the unauthorized use of artificial
intelligence to clone his voice, calling it a form of “robbery.”
In recent interviews and public appearances, Freeman expressed deep frustration and concern over the increasing trend of AI-generated voices mimicking his own without his consent. He emphasized that his voice is not just a recognizable feature, it is his livelihood, and using it without permission is tantamount to theft.
Freeman’s reaction was notably candid and impassioned. He stated, “I’m a little PO’d, you know. I’m like any other actor: don’t mimic me with falseness. I don’t appreciate it, and I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me.”
This
sentiment underscores the broader ethical and legal dilemmas posed by AI
technologies that replicate human voices, especially those of public figures
whose vocal identity carries commercial value.
The actor revealed that his legal team is
actively pursuing multiple cases against entities and individuals who have used
AI to clone his voice. He remarked that his lawyers are “very, very busy,”
indicating the scale and seriousness of the issue.
Freeman’s stance aligns with growing concerns
in the entertainment industry about the implications of AI on intellectual
property rights and personal identity. During the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, the
use of AI to replicate actors’ voices and likenesses was a major point of
contention, with many performers demanding stronger protections.
Freeman also criticized the emergence of
virtual performers, specifically referencing an AI-generated actress named
Tilly Norwood. He dismissed her as “not real” and suggested that such creations
undermine the authenticity and craft of real actors. His comments reflect a
broader unease about the role of synthetic media in displacing human talent and
eroding the boundaries between genuine performance and digital imitation.
In addition to legal action, Freeman has
thanked fans for alerting him to instances where his voice was cloned,
highlighting the importance of public vigilance in protecting artists’ rights.
While some celebrities have entered into
authorized deals to license their voices for AI use, Freeman has made it clear
that he does not support such arrangements unless they are fully consensual and
fairly compensated.
This controversy brings to light the urgent
need for clearer regulations and ethical standards in the use of AI-generated
content.
Freeman’s outspoken resistance serves as a
rallying cry for artists and creators who fear that their identities could be
exploited in the digital age without their knowledge or approval.
As AI continues to evolve, the entertainment
industry faces a pivotal moment in defining how technology intersects with
creativity, ownership, and respect for individual expression.
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