Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and creator of ChatGPT, has denied allegations of childhood sexual abuse made by his sister, Ann Altman, in a lawsuit filed on January 6, 2025. The suit, submitted to the US District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri, accuses Mr. Altman of sexually abusing his sister between 1997 and 2006, beginning when she was three years old and he was 12.
Allegations Detailed in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit accuses Mr. Altman of repeatedly engaging in “rape, sexual assault, molestation, sodomy, and battery” against his sister over multiple years. Ms. Altman alleges that the abuse caused her severe emotional distress, depression, and physical injuries, necessitating extensive medical and mental health treatment.
The complaint also states that the alleged abuse continued into Mr. Altman’s adulthood while his sister was still a minor.
Sam Altman’s Response
In a joint statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Altman, along with his mother and two brothers, categorically denied the allegations.
“All of these claims are utterly untrue,” the statement read, further suggesting that the allegations stem from Ms. Altman’s ongoing mental health struggles.
Mr. Altman disclosed that he has provided significant financial support to his sister, including paying her bills, rent, and offering to buy her a house. “She continues to demand more money from us,” he stated, implying a financial motive behind the claims.
He emphasized the family’s efforts to support Ms. Altman, saying they sought professional advice on how to help her without enabling harmful behaviors. “This situation causes immense pain to our entire family,” the statement concluded.
Ms. Altman’s Perspective
In court filings, Ms. Altman accuses her brother of “grooming and manipulating” her. She alleges the abuse caused enduring physical injuries and deep psychological scars.These allegations echo similar accusations she previously made on social media platforms.
Background on Sam Altman
Sam Altman is widely recognized as a leading figure in the technology sector. As the CEO of OpenAI, he spearheaded the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, revolutionizing the use of artificial intelligence in everyday applications like text creation, coding, and image generation.
In 2024, Mr. Altman faced a brief ousting from OpenAI’s board but returned to his role as CEO days later, navigating a high-profile internal conflict.
Legal and Social Context
The allegations have sparked significant public interest, given Mr. Altman’s stature and the sensitive nature of the claims. Unlike in the UK, where victims of sexual offenses are granted lifelong anonymity, no such protections apply to individuals in the US, making the case publicly known.
This lawsuit and its implications will likely continue to unfold, drawing attention from both the tech world and broader societal discussions about abuse, accountability, and family dynamics.
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