Morgan Freeman has voiced his discontent with the rising use of artificial intelligence in replicating celebrity voices, particularly in satirical content. The 88-year-old actor expressed frustration over the unauthorized replication of his voice, noting that while some actors like James Earl Jones have consented to their likeness being imitated, he has not. “I’m a little PO’d, you know,” Freeman told the Guardian. “I’m like any other actor: Don’t mimic me with falseness. I don’t appreciate it, and I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me.”
Freeman explained that his lawyers have been “very, very busy” in addressing cases where his voice was replicated without consent. He also criticized the concept of AI actors, specifically referencing Tilly Norwood, an AI character introduced by Dutch actress Eline Van der Velden in 2025. “Nobody likes her because she’s not real and that takes the part of a real person,” Freeman jabbed. “So it’s not going to work out very well in the movies or in television.”
The Memphis native was also asked about a TikTok video claiming to be his niece, which used an artificial version of his voice. In response, Freeman wrote on X, “Thank you to my incredible fans for your vigilance and support in calling out the unauthorized use of an A.I. voice imitating me.” He added, “Your dedication helps authenticity and integrity remain paramount. Grateful.”
Norwood is not the first attempt at taking an avatar mainstream. In 2022, Capitol Records flirted with an AI rapper named FN Meka; the very idea that the rapper was even signed to a label was historic in the first place. The rapper, or more likely its representatives, were later dropped from the label after activists claimed the character reinforced racial stereotypes.
Freeman spoke out about the use of his voice in 2024, as well. According to a report by 4 News Now, a TikTok creator posted a video claiming to be Freeman’s niece and used an artificial version of his voice to narrate the video. In response, Freeman wrote on X, “Thank you to my incredible fans for your vigilance and support in calling out the unauthorized use of an A.I. voice imitating me.” He added, “Your dedication helps authenticity and integrity remain paramount. Grateful.”
