Scarlett Johansson’s recent appearance in Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People in AI” list has ignited global controversy.
The magazine, known for highlighting top minds in artificial intelligence, faced backlash for overlooking tech mogul Elon Musk in its coveted category.
Musk, a key figure behind companies like The Boring Company, Neuralink, and OpenAI, was notably absent from the feature.
His contributions to AI and technology have been widely recognized, yet Time opted to spotlight Scarlett Johansson, best known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as one of the 18 cover personalities.
The uproar stems from Johansson’s unexpected involvement with AI, particularly following an incident involving OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT.
The actress was reportedly approached by the company, requesting permission to use her voice for a new chatbot. Although she declined the offer, OpenAI allegedly used a voice resembling hers in the final product, causing distress for Johansson and her family.
This led the 39-year-old actress to take legal action, launching a campaign against the unauthorized use of her likeness and the broader issue of deepfakes in the industry. OpenAI ultimately removed the voice, though no formal explanation was given for its initial use.
In the wake of this controversy, many questioned Time’s decision to feature Johansson over Musk, who has been at the forefront of AI development for years. Musk’s foundational role in OpenAI, alongside his work with Neuralink and xAI, made his omission all the more surprising.
The Time cover also highlights other influential figures in the AI world, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. However, Johansson’s presence on the list continues to be a point of contention in the tech community.
Scarlett Johansson’s inclusion in Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People in AI” list has sparked significant debate, with many questioning the choice to feature an actress over prominent tech figures like Elon Musk.
While Scarlett Johansson’s involvement in the AI conversation, particularly around deepfakes, has raised important ethical concerns, her selection highlights the evolving and often controversial intersections between entertainment and technology. As AI continues to shape our world, the conversation around who truly influences the field remains open and contentious.
