Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI
Credit: Reuters File Photo
OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has been accused by his sister, Annie Altman for sexually abusing her. According to the lawsuit filed on Monday, Annie alleges that the abuse took place during their childhood, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
In a joint statement released by Sam Altman on social media, along with his mother Connie and brothers, Max and Jack, deny the claims as "utterly untrue," adding that “this situation causes immense pain to our entire family.”
Expressing concern for her well-being as she apparently struggles with mental health challenges, the family asks for understanding and compassion towards their sister.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri alleges that Sam sexually abused Annie between 1997 and 2006. The abuse began when she was 3-years old, he was 12 and continued until she was a minor and Sam became an adult.
Annie claims that the abuse occurred "several times per week" at their home in Clayton, Missouri, beginning with acts of oral sex and escalating to penetration.
The lawsuit claims that “as a direct and proximate result of the foregoing acts of sexual assault,” the plaintiff has experienced “severe emotional distress, mental anguish, and depression, which is expected to continue into the future,” as per the report by CNBC.
The lawsuit is requesting a jury trial against the OpenAI CEO and damages in excess of $75,000. She’s being represented by Ryan Mahoney, whose Illinois-based firm specializes in matters including sexual assault and harassment.
The statement by the family outlines their efforts to support Annie. She receives monthly financial support, her bills and rent are paid for, but continues to demand more money, as per the statement.
The family has attempted to get her medical help, employment opportunities and also bought her a house through a trust. Annie will continue to receive financial support for the rest of her life from the family in hopes that she finds "stability and peace."
Annie has previously made similar allegation against her brother on social media platforms, this is the first time that she is taking him to court. She has also accused other family members for improperly withholding their father's funds from her.