Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has firmly denied allegations made by his sister, Ann Altman, who has filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexually abusing her over a period of several years. The lawsuit, filed on January 6, 2025, in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, claims that the abuse began in 1997 when Ann was three years old, with Sam being 12. Ann alleges that the abuse continued until 2006, including multiple instances of rape.
In response to these grave allegations, Sam Altman issued a joint statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), alongside his mother and two brothers. The statement categorically denies the accusations, stating that “all of these claims are utterly untrue.” The family also expressed the emotional toll the situation has taken, with the statement noting, “Caring for a family member who faces mental health challenges is incredibly difficult” and that the case has caused immense pain to their entire family.
The lawsuit is requesting a jury trial and damages exceeding $75,000, and it alleges that the last instance of abuse occurred when Sam was an adult while Ann was still a minor. Ann Altman has previously shared similar claims on social media, including X, where she has openly discussed her experience.
Sam Altman, a prominent figure in the tech world, is known for his leadership at OpenAI, the company behind the groundbreaking ChatGPT AI chatbot. This legal battle has not only shocked the tech community but has also brought significant attention to the personal lives of high-profile public figures.
The case is ongoing, and as it progresses through the courts, it is expected to continue to attract widespread media attention and could have far-reaching implications for both the Altman family and the tech industry at large.
