OpenAI CEO Sam Altman faces a lawsuit filed by his sister, Ann Altman, alleging that he sexually abused her repeatedly from 1997 to 2006, starting when she was three years old and he was twelve. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court in Missouri, claims the abuse occurred several times a week and has resulted in severe emotional distress for Ann. This marks the first time she has pursued legal action despite previously sharing similar allegations online. Ann is represented by attorney Ryan Mahoney, who specializes in sexual assault cases, and she seeks a jury trial with damages exceeding $75,000.
In response, Sam Altman, along with family members, issued a joint statement on social media denying the allegations, describing them as “deeply hurtful and entirely untrue.” They expressed concern for Ann’s mental health, stating she has “refused conventional treatment” and lashes out at those trying to help. Sam Altman, who gained fame following OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT in 2022, has faced significant challenges in his leadership, including a temporary ousting in November 2023 before being reinstated.
