Hollywood Stars and Musicians Accuse Big Tech of “Theft” Over AI Training

Some of Hollywood’s biggest names are speaking out against how artificial intelligence is being built.

Actors Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, and legendary band R.E.M. are among hundreds of artists who have signed an open letter accusing major technology companies of using copyrighted work without permission to train AI systems.

The letter is part of the Human Artistry Campaign’s initiative titled “Stealing Isn’t Innovation.” Its message is blunt: using artists’ work without consent or payment is not progress — it is theft.

Other well-known supporters include actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Olivia Munn, musicians Aimee Mann, MGMT, Common, Cyndi Lauper, and Simon Le Bon, as well as author Jonathan Franzen.

In the letter, the group argues that America’s creative industries are a major economic force, generating jobs, exports, and cultural influence worldwide. They claim that instead of protecting this work, some of the largest tech companies — often backed by private equity — are building AI platforms by copying creative material without authorization or respect for copyright law.

“Artists, writers, and creators of all kinds are banding together with a simple message,” the letter states. “Stealing our work is not innovation. It’s not progress. It’s theft — plain and simple.”

The signatories stress that another path is possible. They point to AI companies that have chosen to work ethically by signing licensing agreements or forming partnerships with creators. According to the group, advanced AI development does not have to come at the expense of artists’ rights.

The letter also echoes earlier concerns raised by Johansson herself. Last year, she publicly criticized OpenAI after the company introduced a ChatGPT voice assistant that she said sounded “eerily similar” to her own voice. Johansson said she was shocked and angered by the situation, prompting OpenAI to temporarily pause the voice.

OpenAI has denied any intentional imitation. In a statement, the company said the voice — known as “Sky” — was performed by a different professional actor and was not meant to resemble Johansson.

“We believe that AI voices should not deliberately mimic a celebrity’s distinctive voice,” OpenAI said, adding that it cannot reveal the names of its voice actors to protect their privacy.

As debates over artificial intelligence and copyright intensify, the letter signals a growing push from the creative community to demand clearer rules, fair compensation, and ethical boundaries — before AI reshapes the industry even further.