Scarlett Johansson has initiated legal action against an AI app that used her name and image in an online advertisement without obtaining permission. The ad, which was approximately 22 seconds long, was posted on X/Twitter by an artificial intelligence image-generating app known as Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar. It featured Johansson, although her representatives confirmed that she is not affiliated with the app, and her attorney, Kevin Yorn, handled the situation from a legal perspective. The ad was first observed on October 28 but appears to have been removed from the internet since then.
Johansson’s attorney, Kevin Yorn, stated, “We do not take these things lightly. As is customary in these circumstances, we will deal with it using all available legal measures.”
No connection to Johansson
The ad began with an old clip of Scarlett Johansson behind the scenes of Marvel’s “Black Widow,” where she says, “What’s up guys? It’s Scarlett, and I want you to come with me…” However, a graphic then covered her mouth, and the screen transitioned to AI-generated images resembling the actor. A synthetic voice imitating Johansson continued speaking, promoting the AI app with the words, “It’s not limited to avatars only. Images with texts and even AI videos can be created. I think you shouldn’t miss it.” Fine print beneath the ad clarified that the images were produced by Lisa AI and had no connection to the actual person.
Various Lisa AI apps, created by Convert Software, remain available on the App Store and Google Play, although the app maker did not respond to Variety’s request for comment.
Strict privacy laws
Many states, including California, have stringent privacy laws that protect the unauthorized use of a person’s name, voice, image, or likeness for advertising or promotional purposes. While some famous individuals may file lawsuits to establish a legal precedent when their name and likeness are used without authorization, most cases are resolved with cease and desist demands.
Scarlett Johansson is not the only actor whose name and likeness have been used without permission for advertising purposes. In the past, Tom Hanks also warned his fans about a promotional video for a dental plan that featured an AI version of the actor, stating that he had no involvement in it.
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