Sam Altman responds to sister’s abuse allegations

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and his family have commented on a new lawsuit filed by Annie Altman, who has accused her older brother of sexual abuse.

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 filing reiterates claims she made on social media in 2021.

“I experienced sexual, physical, emotional, verbal, financial and technological abuse from my biological siblings, mostly Sam Altman and a little Jack Altman,” she wrote earlier.

The OpenAI chief allegedly committed sexual abuse from the 1990s into the 2000s, spanning about nine years.

The entrepreneur and his family called the allegations false. They said their sister has struggled with mental-health issues for years and that they are deeply concerned about her condition. The Altmans said they had repeatedly tried to support Annie, including financially.

“[…] Despite this, Annie continues to demand more money from us. She has made deeply hurtful and utterly implausible statements about our family, especially about Sam […]”, the Altmans said in their response.

Separately, the OpenAI CEO drew attention to a letter from Annie’s lawyer to his own, which hinted at the need for a significant monetary payment.

“in excess of $75,000” is something required for this court, i believe.

in case there is any doubt about the goal here, here is something annie’s lawyer wrote to my lawyer:

“Significantly, given our client’s tort claims involve sexual assault and sexual battery, we are allowed…

— Sam Altman (@sama) January 8, 2025

Altman has long been estranged from his sister. He often speaks about his brothers, who are also technology entrepreneurs, but rarely mentions Annie in public.

Earlier, the OpenAI CEO said he expects a full launch of AI agents in 2025.