Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has vehemently denied the allegations put forth by his sister, Ann Altman, accusing him of years of sexual abuse. Ann filed a federal lawsuit in Missouri on Monday, claiming that Sam had subjected her to abuse between the years 1997 and 2006. She alleged that he had engaged in acts of rape, sexual assault, molestation, sodomy, and battery, beginning when she was just 3 years old and he was 12.
In response to these serious allegations, Sam Altman, along with his mother and siblings, released a statement refuting Ann’s claims. They asserted that Ann has faced mental health challenges and has previously attempted to extort money from them. Sam declared the accusations to be entirely false and emphasized the challenging nature of caring for a family member with mental health issues.
The Altman family further detailed the support they have provided to Ann, including financial assistance, payment of bills, rent coverage, job opportunities, attempts to secure medical help, and even an offer to buy her a house through a trust. Despite these efforts, they stated that Ann continues to demand more money from them.
Ann’s lawsuit, as reviewed by PEOPLE, alleges that the abuse persisted over the years, with Sam continuing to commit various acts of sexual violence against her even into adulthood. The court filing in Missouri claims that Ann has suffered physical injuries and is dealing with significant emotional and mental distress, including PTSD and depression, as a result of the alleged abuse.
Notably, Ann has previously shared similar allegations on social media regarding the abuse she claims to have endured at the hands of her brother. Her legal representatives have requested that Sam Altman pay his sister $75,000 in damages as part of the lawsuit. Sam, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley who briefly stepped down as CEO of OpenAI before resuming his position, reportedly possesses a substantial net worth of $1.1 billion, with the company’s valuation reaching $157 billion in November.
It is crucial to note that these are grave allegations that involve serious legal and personal implications. For individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, resources such as the Crisis Text Line can provide support and connect them with certified crisis counselors. In instances of such sensitive nature, seeking appropriate legal counsel and mental health assistance is essential for all parties involved.
