Morgan Freeman has criticised the use of artificial intelligence to replicate actors’ voices, describing the practice as “stealing” and urging those affected to seek legal protection.
The 89-year-old The Shawshank Redemption star made the comments in an interview with ITV News as AI-generated voices and deepfakes become increasingly common.
“On the one hand, it’s pretty nice,” Freeman said of the technology. “On the other hand, it’s stealing. Get lawyers.”
Freeman, whose distinctive voice has made him one of Hollywood’s most recognisable narrators, said one of the difficulties surrounding AI-generated material was determining where it originated.
The actor has previously spoken out about attempts to reproduce his voice using AI. He told The Guardian that he did not appreciate people mimicking his voice without his involvement, saying that actors should be compensated when their work is used.
According to Freeman, his lawyers have already handled several cases involving unauthorised use of his voice.
“I’m a little PO’d, you know. I’m like any other actor: don’t mimic me with falseness,” he said. “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 has provided narration for documentaries including March of the Penguins, Life on Our Planet and Our Universe. He also won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Million Dollar Baby and is known for films including Driving Miss Daisy and Invictus.
Beyond acting, Freeman has become involved in efforts to preserve blues music. He is a co-owner of Ground Zero, a blues club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and recently produced an album with the British Chineke! Orchestra.
His latest comments add to growing concerns among performers over the use of AI to reproduce their voices and likenesses without direct participation or compensation.
