OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Denies Sister’s Allegations of Sexual Abuse, Calls Claims “Entirely Untrue”
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and a prominent figure in the tech industry, has been accused by his sister, Ann Altman, of sexual abuse spanning nearly a decade during their childhood. Ann filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, alleging repeated abuse by her brother between 1997 and 2006. The claims, made public on January 7, allege severe emotional and mental distress resulting from the abuse.
My sister has filed a lawsuit against me. Here is a statement from my mom, brothers, and me: pic.twitter.com/Nve0yokTSX
— Sam Altman (@sama) January 7, 2025
Allegations Detailed in Lawsuit
Ann Altman’s lawsuit claims the abuse began when she was three years old and Sam Altman was 12. It allegedly continued until Ann was 11 and Sam had reached adulthood. The lawsuit describes the incidents as occurring “several times per week” and involving escalating forms of abuse, including penetration. Ann asserts that the trauma has left her with lasting emotional and psychological scars, including depression and anxiety.
This legal filing marks the first time Ann Altman has pursued formal action, though she has previously made public allegations against her brother. She is seeking a jury trial and damages exceeding $75,000.
Family Responds to Allegations
Sam Altman, along with his mother Connie and brothers Max and Jack, released a joint statement in response to the allegations. The statement, shared via social media, denies the accusations and attributes them to Ann’s mental health struggles. The family expressed concern for Ann’s well-being, citing their years of financial and emotional support, which included covering her living and medical expenses, offering job opportunities, and even proposing to buy her a house.
The statement asserts that Ann’s claims have evolved over time, with the most recent lawsuit introducing new allegations involving incidents after Sam turned 18. The family characterized the accusations as “deeply hurtful” and “entirely untrue.”
Legal and Public Implications
The allegations have placed Sam Altman, a high-profile entrepreneur known for his role in OpenAI’s groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence, under intense scrutiny. OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in late 2022 propelled Altman into the global spotlight, making these allegations a significant development in his public and professional life.
Ann’s lawsuit, seeking a jury trial, represents a new chapter in a family dispute that has played out both privately and publicly. While the family maintains that Ann’s mental health challenges may be influencing her claims, the lawsuit’s progression will likely attract significant attention in both legal and media circles.
This case underscores the complex intersection of high-profile public figures, family dynamics, and legal accountability. As Sam Altman continues to lead OpenAI, his response to these allegations and their legal ramifications will be closely watched.
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