Morgan Freeman has officially had it with AI copying his style and tone. The 88-year-old Oscar winner, known for classics like The Shawshank Redemption, Se7en, and Invictus, isn’t staying quiet about tech programs cloning his voice without permission.
With AI now able to mimic actors’ voices and faces in seconds, Freeman is drawing a firm line in the sand, calling for respect and authenticity. He even hinted that his legal team is already taking action against those involved.
Morgan Freeman blasts AI programs copying his voice, suggests legal action
Morgan Freeman isn’t holding back when it comes to calling out AI voice clones. The legendary actor recently told The Guardian that he’s had enough of artificial intelligence copying his iconic voice without his permission.
“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.”
Freeman also revealed that his legal team is already on the case, saying his “lawyers have been very, very busy.” He also confirmed that several cases are currently being reviewed.
The whole debate comes at a time when Hollywood is talking about the rise of digital performers. One of Freeman’s biggest callouts was aimed at “Tilly Norwood,” a completely AI-generated actress who recently made headlines after a few talent agencies reportedly considered signing her.
Freeman said that “nobody likes her because she’s not real and that takes the part of a real person, so it’s not going to work out very well in the movies or on television.” He continued, “The union’s job is to keep actors acting, so there’s going to be that conflict” (via EW).
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) is backing him up, too. The union released a statement saying, Tilly Norwood is not an actor but a computer program built off the work of real performers without their consent or payment.
