Sam Altman, the creator of ChatGPT and chief executive of OpenAI, is facing serious allegations from his sister, Ann Altman, who has filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexually abusing her over a span of nearly a decade. The lawsuit, initiated on January 6th in a US District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri, claims that the abuse began when Ann was just three years old and Sam was 12.
In a joint statement along with his mother and two brothers, Sam Altman vehemently denied the allegations, stating, “All of these claims are utterly untrue.” The family acknowledged the challenges of caring for a member with mental health struggles, expressing the difficulties they face. Sam Altman disclosed that he provides his sister with financial support on a monthly basis, covers her bills and rent, and has even offered to purchase a house for her. However, Ann Altman asserts that her brother engaged in a pattern of grooming and manipulation, involving various forms of sexual misconduct including rape, assault, molestation, sodomy, and battery, as outlined in court documents reviewed by the BBC.
Ann Altman claims to have suffered significant physical and emotional harm as a result of the alleged abuse, citing severe distress and depression. She also mentioned the substantial medical expenses she has incurred due to ongoing medical and mental health treatment for her injuries. It is worth noting that in the UK, individuals who accuse others of sexual assault are entitled to lifelong anonymity, a protection not afforded in the US.
Despite Sam Altman’s efforts to support his sister and provide stability, the situation has caused deep pain for the entire family. The lawsuit alleges that the most recent incident of abuse occurred when Sam Altman was an adult and Ann was still a minor. Notably, Ann has previously made similar accusations against her brother on social media platforms.
Sam Altman, a prominent figure in the technology industry and a billionaire who tied the knot with Oliver Mulherin in 2024, has been at the helm of OpenAI during the launch of ChatGPT, a widely-used generative AI chatbot capable of producing various forms of text and images based on prompts. In a tumultuous turn of events, Altman was reinstated as OpenAI’s leader following his dismissal by the board in late 2022, surviving a boardroom challenge.
The complexities of this situation underscore the profound impact it has had on the Altman family, amplifying the need for support and understanding during this challenging time. For those affected by similar issues, assistance and guidance are available through the BBC Action Line.
This narrative encapsulates the unfolding events surrounding the legal battle between Sam Altman and his sister, shedding light on the allegations of abuse and the ensuing legal and personal ramifications within the family dynamic.
