Sam Altman Denies Sexual Assault Allegations by Sister Amid Family Dispute
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman denies sexual assault allegations by his estranged sister, Annie Altman. The family attributes the claims to longstanding disputes and mental health challenges.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Denies Sexual Assault Allegations by Estranged Sister
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, publicly denied allegations of sexual assault leveled against him by his younger sister, Annie Altman, in a statement released Tuesday. Annie’s lawsuit, filed on Monday, claims Sam abused her over nine years during the 1990s and 2000s. These accusations mirror those she initially made on social media in 2021, according to the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch.
In a response shared on X, formerly Twitter, Sam Altman provided a statement co-signed by his brothers, Max and Jack, and their mother, Connie Altman. The family categorically denied the claims, attributing them to Annie’s longstanding mental health struggles.
Family’s Statement on the Allegations
The Altman family’s statement expressed their concerns over Annie’s well-being while refuting the accusations. They described her claims as “deeply hurtful and entirely untrue,” alleging they have faced similar disputes with her over financial and personal matters for years.
My sister has filed a lawsuit against me. Here is a statement from my mom, brothers, and me: pic.twitter.com/Nve0yokTSX
— Sam Altman (@sama) January 7, 2025
The statement read:
“Annie has made deeply hurtful and entirely untrue claims about our family, and especially Sam. Out of respect for her privacy and our own, we have chosen not to respond publicly. However, given her legal action, we feel compelled to address this.”
The Altmans also outlined additional accusations Annie has made over the years, including claims that family members withheld their late father’s 401k funds, hacked her Wi-Fi, and shadowbanned her on platforms like ChatGPT and Twitter. These allegations, they asserted, have evolved significantly over time, with new claims now targeting incidents after Sam turned 18.
Estranged Relationship and Family Dynamics
Annie Altman has been estranged from her brother Sam for years, as highlighted in a 2023 New York Magazine profile on the OpenAI CEO. The piece noted that while Sam often discusses his brothers—both of whom are tech entrepreneurs—he rarely speaks about Annie publicly. Instances were cited where Sam declined to amplify her podcast and extended offers of financial assistance, including purchasing her a house.
The New York Magazine article also detailed Annie’s struggles, including frequent relocations—up to 20 moves in a single year—and the mental health challenges that intensified following their father’s death in 2018. Sam’s recent statement echoed these concerns, suggesting that her instability might be influencing her accusations.
A Legal and Personal Rift
The lawsuit brings the Altman family’s private disputes into the public sphere, adding a complex layer to the narrative surrounding one of tech’s most prominent figures. Sam Altman’s denial underscores the tension between the siblings, with Annie’s accusations now entering the legal arena.
While the case proceeds, the Altman family’s statement reinforces their belief in the importance of addressing Annie’s claims not as truths but as symptoms of deeper issues. “We have tried to support Annie in many ways, including financially, but we can no longer remain silent as these harmful allegations persist,” the family concluded.
(Disclaimer: This article was put together using information and statements that are out there for everyone to see. It does not seek to prejudge the legal proceedings or personal circumstances of those involved.)
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