Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman has spoken out against the use of artificial intelligence to replicate his unmistakable voice, calling it a form of theft when done without consent.
The Oscar-winning actor, celebrated for his powerful narration in films like The Shawshank Redemption and March of the Penguins, told The Guardian that AI voice cloning undermines both artistry and professional integrity.
“I’m like any other actor — don’t mimic me with falseness. I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me,” Freeman said.
The 87-year-old revealed that his legal team has been “very, very busy” addressing multiple cases involving unauthorized AI reproductions of his voice.
Freeman also criticized the growing trend of AI-generated actors, describing the phenomenon as a threat to human creativity in Hollywood.
“Nobody likes her because she’s not real, and that takes the part of a real person,” he remarked, referring to a virtual AI actress currently being promoted in the industry.
The veteran actor expressed gratitude to his fans who helped flag AI imitations of his voice online last year, saying their vigilance plays a key role in safeguarding artistic authenticity.
Freeman joins a growing list of Hollywood figures — including Scarlett Johansson and Emma Thompson — who have publicly opposed the unregulated use of AI in filmmaking and performance.
His comments echo broader concerns within the entertainment industry over AI’s encroachment on intellectual property rights, which was also a major flashpoint in recent Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes.
