Morgan Freeman Condemns AI Voice Theft as Digital Robbery of Actors’ Livelihoods

Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman has publicly denounced the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence to clone his iconic voice. The celebrated actor issued a stark warning to creators using this technology, stating they are effectively robbing performers. His comments highlight a growing conflict in Hollywood over synthetic media.

This stance comes as the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA intensifies its campaign against AI replicas. According to The Guardian, Freeman expressed significant frustration during a recent interview, confirming his legal team is actively addressing these infringements.

Legal Action and Industry-Wide Concerns

Freeman did not mince words when discussing AI voice mimics. He told The Guardian he is “a little PO’d” and views the practice as theft. He emphasized that his voice is his professional instrument and its unauthorized use deprives him of rightful earnings.

His lawyers have been “very, very busy” tackling these issues. This sentiment is shared across the entertainment industry. Entertainment Weekly reports widespread actor anxiety about AI voice theft becoming normalized without consent or compensation.

The Human Craft Behind the Voice

Freeman was quick to point out that his signature vocal tone was not an accident. It is the result of dedicated training and craft. He credits a community-college professor, Robert Whitman, with helping him develop his distinct delivery.

The coaching focused on speaking distinctly and relaxing the vocal cords. Freeman explained that many people speak at a higher pitch because they are tense. This early training was foundational to his decades-long career as an actor and narrator.

The Battle Against Synthetic Performers

The conversation also turned to Tilly Norwood, an entirely AI-generated performer. News that agencies considered signing this synthetic entity caused major industry backlash. Freeman was unequivocal in his assessment, stating “nobody likes her because she is not real.”

He argued that such creations take work from real people. SAG-AFTRA supported this view with a strong public statement. The union clarified that Norwood is not an actor but a computer-generated character trained on performers’ work without permission.

The union further stated that AI lacks life experience and genuine emotion. It expressed confidence that audiences are not interested in content detached from the human experience. Freeman’s position aligns with a broader Hollywood movement insisting that AI must not enter the industry through theft.

The issue of AI voice cloning is now a central battleground for actor rights. Morgan Freeman’s powerful stance underscores the real human cost behind digital replication. The industry is drawing a clear line to protect artistic identity and livelihood.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Morgan Freeman say about AI copying his voice?

He stated that he is “a little PO’d” and considers it robbery. He said using his voice without permission and payment deprives him of his livelihood.

Is Morgan Freeman taking legal action against AI voice clones?

Yes, he indicated his lawyers have been “very, very busy” addressing the issue. This confirms active legal measures are underway against unauthorized use.

What is SAG-AFTRA’s position on AI-generated performers?

The union firmly opposes synthetic actors like “Tilly Norwood.” It stated that such AI is not a real actor and was trained on performers’ work without consent or pay.

How did Morgan Freeman develop his famous voice?

He worked with a professor, Robert Whitman, who coached him. The training focused on clear diction and vocal relaxation to achieve a deeper, more distinct tone.

Why are actors concerned about AI voice technology?

They fear it will become routine to use digital clones without permission. This threatens their income and control over their own artistic identity and performance.