Morgan Freeman Takes Legal Action Against Unauthorized AI Voice Cloning
Actor Morgan Freeman has publicly denounced the unauthorized use of AI to replicate his voice and stated his lawyers are taking legal action. Freeman called the practice a form of robbery that violates his intellectual property and costs him valuable work opportunities.
What happened
Morgan Freeman has been the subject of multiple unauthorized AI voice cloning projects. According to Freeman, his lawyers have become involved in addressing several instances where his distinctive voice was replicated without his permission.
Reported impact
Freeman stated that the unauthorized use of his voice has cost him valuable work opportunities. He characterized the practice as 'robbery,' noting that he is typically paid for voice work and loses income when his voice is used without compensation or consent.
Index analysis
Freeman told The Guardian that he does not appreciate being mimicked through AI technology, stating: '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.'
Governance controls
Freeman indicated that his legal team has taken action in response to the unauthorized voice cloning, stating: 'Well, I tell you, my lawyers have been very, very busy.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.