OpenAI CEO Faces Lawsuit Over Allegations of Abuse by Sister

The charges add complexity to the OpenAI chief's public image and family dynamics amidst his prominent role in the tech industry.

In a shocking development, Ann Altman, sister of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, has filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, alleging that he sexually abused her between 1997 and 2006. According to the lawsuit, which was submitted on January 6, the abuse began when Ann was just three years old, while Sam was 12.

In a response shared on X, accompanied by their mother and two brothers, Sam Altman firmly denied the allegations, stating, "All of these claims are utterly untrue." The joint statement also emphasized the challenges of caring for a family member undergoing mental health struggles, noting that this situation has only brought immense pain to their family unit.

The lawsuit outlines severe allegations, including rape, asserting that the last reported instance of abuse occurred when Sam was an adult but Ann was still considered a minor. In addition to requesting a jury trial, Ms. Altman is seeking damages surpassing $75,000 ($60,100).

Ann Altman has previously aired similar allegations against her brother on social media, further complicating the disclosure. As one of the most recognized figures in technology today, Sam Altman has been in the public spotlight, especially after OpenAI unveiled its state-of-the-art AI chatbot, ChatGPT, in late 2022.

With the lawsuit surfacing, questions surrounding Sam Altman's personal life may converge with his professional responsibilities, stirring conversations about accountability and the implications of familial disagreements in high-profile contexts.