Scarlett Johansson has joined other Hollywood stars in accusing AI companies of using creative work without consent, calling it theft.

A United Front Against AI Practices

January 23, 2026 — Scarlett Johansson has joined forces with a large group of actors, musicians, writers, and creators to publicly accuse artificial intelligence companies of “theft,” alleging that their work has been used without permission to train AI systems. The coordinated move marks one of the strongest collective statements yet from the creative community pushing back against the rapid expansion of generative AI.

The group argues that creative works—ranging from films and television performances to music and literature—have been absorbed into AI training data without consent, credit, or compensation. Their stance frames the issue not as opposition to technology itself, but as a demand for ethical boundaries and respect for intellectual property.

Why Creators Are Speaking Out Now

As AI tools become more sophisticated and widespread, concerns have grown across Hollywood about how these systems are built. Creators say the speed of innovation has outpaced safeguards, leaving artists vulnerable to having their voices, likenesses, and original work replicated or repurposed without approval.

The recent statement from Johansson and other high-profile figures reflects mounting frustration within the industry. Many believe that if the issue is not addressed now, it could permanently alter how creative labor is valued and protected in the future.

Johansson’s History With AI Concerns

Johansson’s involvement carries particular weight given her past criticism of AI technology. She has previously spoken out after discovering that an AI-generated voice closely resembled her own, raising alarms about consent and identity in the digital age.

By joining this broader effort, Johansson reinforces her long-standing position that technological advancement should not come at the expense of personal rights or artistic ownership. Her advocacy has helped bring mainstream attention to issues that many creators say have been quietly affecting them for years.

A Cross-Industry Coalition

The campaign is notable not just for its message, but for the range of voices involved. Actors, musicians, authors, and industry professionals have aligned to emphasize that the issue extends beyond any single medium. Their shared concern is that creative work is being treated as free raw material rather than protected intellectual property.

Industry organizations and guilds have also echoed these concerns, warning that unchecked AI development could undermine jobs, contracts, and the economic foundation of creative industries.

Innovation Versus Exploitation

At the heart of the debate is a central question: where does innovation end and exploitation begin? The artists involved argue that true innovation should involve collaboration and licensing, not the silent extraction of existing work.

They stress that AI can coexist with creativity—but only if companies are willing to establish transparent agreements that respect creators’ rights and compensate them fairly.

What This Means Going Forward

The accusations signal a potential turning point in the relationship between Hollywood and the tech sector. Legal challenges, policy discussions, and licensing negotiations are expected to intensify as pressure mounts on AI firms to change their practices.

For now, Johansson and her fellow creators have made one thing clear: they are no longer willing to remain silent. As the debate continues, their collective voice may shape how AI and creativity intersect for years to come.