Ann Altman, the sister of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has filed a lawsuit against him, alleging a harrowing history of sexual abuse. The lawsuit, filed on January 6 in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri, accuses Sam Altman of regularly abusing his sister from 1997 to 2006. Ann Altman claims the abuse began when she was just three years old and included rape, sexual assault, molestation, sodomy, and battery. The alleged actions left her with profound bodily harm, severe emotional distress, and depression.
Sam Altman, known for leading the company behind the AI software ChatGPT, vehemently denies these allegations. In a joint statement with his mother and two brothers, he refuted the claims made by his sister. The statement is consistent with his previous public rebuttals on social media, where he has addressed the accusations. "Over the years, we've tried in many ways to support Annie and help her find stability," Sam Altman stated. He added that this situation has been a source of immense pain for their entire family.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Sam Altman points to his continuous efforts to support his sister financially. He claims to have provided her with monthly financial assistance, covered her bills and rent, and even offered to buy her a house. However, Ann Altman's demands for further monetary support continue, causing additional strain within the family. Sam Altman has sought "professional advice" to navigate the complexities of supporting a family member with mental health challenges without enabling potentially harmful behaviors.
The lawsuit comes at a time when Sam Altman has been navigating significant professional challenges as well. In 2024, he survived a boardroom coup attempt and was briefly ousted from his position at OpenAI before being reinstated as CEO. That same year marked a personal milestone as well, with Altman marrying his partner Oliver Mulherin. The convergence of these personal and professional events underscores a tumultuous period in his life.