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Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey is taking proactive measures to protect his image and voice from unauthorized use by artificial intelligence platforms, highlighting a growing concern among entertainers about AI-driven impersonations.
Through his commercial foundation, the Just Keep Livin Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Camila, McConaughey has officially filed both video and audio recordings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, according to public records. The filings aim to safeguard his personal brand and ensure that AI cannot replicate his likeness or voice without his explicit consent.
This move comes amid increasing attention on AI technologies capable of mimicking celebrity appearances or voices, sometimes for commercial gain or in misleading content. While several U.S. states have started to introduce legislation regulating AI applications, many of these laws primarily target malicious intent or profit-driven misuse. Tennessee’s ELVIS Act is one of the few exceptions, offering specific protections against AI-generated cloning for performers.
McConaughey’s approach stands out because it is preemptive rather than reactive. In previous high-profile cases, actors had to pursue legal action after their images or voices were misused. For instance, Scarlett Johansson filed a lawsuit in 2023 against the AI avatar app Lisa AI after the platform used her likeness without permission. In contrast, McConaughey is establishing legal safeguards before any potential misuse occurs, giving him greater control over his personal and professional identity.
The Oscar-winning actor, renowned for his performances in Interstellar and Dallas Buyers Club, has also partnered with ElevenLabs, a company specializing in AI voice modeling. With his authorization, ElevenLabs has created AI-generated versions of McConaughey’s voice. This collaboration allows him to leverage AI technology safely while preventing unauthorized reproductions.
Kevin Yorn, McConaughey’s attorney, explained the significance of the filings, stating, “These filings are meant to make sure that our clients have the same kind of protections that their businesses have.” He further noted, “This initiative also ensures that artists can capture some of the value that is being created with this new technology using their voice and likeness.”
Industry experts suggest that McConaughey’s actions could set a precedent for other celebrities. As AI-generated media continues to advance, performers may increasingly seek proactive legal measures to protect their identity and intellectual property. By filing his materials with the Patent and Trademark Office, McConaughey is establishing a blueprint for how public figures can retain control over AI-generated content and prevent exploitation.
The actor’s initiative also raises broader questions about the intersection of technology, intellectual property, and celebrity rights. As AI systems become more sophisticated, safeguarding one’s likeness and voice could become a standard practice for entertainers and influencers globally. Contracts, endorsements, and licensing agreements may need to adapt to account for AI-generated reproductions of personal identity.
McConaughey’s proactive stance illustrates a forward-thinking approach to the challenges posed by AI technology. By combining legal protection with controlled AI collaborations, he is demonstrating that it is possible to embrace innovation responsibly while maintaining authority over one’s image and voice.
In an era where digital impersonations are becoming increasingly realistic, McConaughey’s strategy represents a model for celebrity protection in the 21st century. By taking control of how AI interacts with his likeness, the actor is not only safeguarding his career but also setting a potential standard for the entertainment industry as a whole.
This approach ensures that artists can explore the possibilities of AI technology safely while protecting the integrity and value of their personal brand.
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