SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has strongly denied allegations of childhood sexual abuse made by his sister, Annie Altman, who filed a legal complaint on Monday.
In a statement co-signed by his mother and two brothers, and shared on social platform X, Sam Altman called the claims “deeply hurtful and entirely untrue.” The family expressed concern for Annie’s mental health, describing their efforts to support her emotionally and financially.
“Our family loves Annie and is very concerned about her well-being,” the statement read. “Caring for a family member with mental health challenges is incredibly difficult.”
The family revealed they have been providing Annie with financial support for years and plan to continue doing so. However, they said they decided to respond publicly after the legal complaint, citing years of escalating tension.
Annie, who is nine years younger than Sam, alleges that the abuse occurred from 1997, when she was three, until 2006. The family claims these allegations have “evolved drastically over time” and reiterated that the accusations are completely false.
Sam Altman, 39, became a prominent figure with the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, a groundbreaking AI tool that spurred global advancements in artificial intelligence. Despite his professional success, the family dispute has drawn public attention.
In a 2023 report by New York Magazine, Annie was described as an artist battling depression and estranged from her family. The article also noted that she supports herself through online sex work.
The Altmans concluded their statement by maintaining their stance on Sam’s innocence and emphasizing their concern for Annie’s mental health.