Wed Jan 08 21:40:03 UTC 2025: **OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Accused of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Sister**

ST. LOUIS, MO – Sam Altman, CEO and founder of OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, is facing a lawsuit alleging childhood sexual abuse. The suit, filed Monday in Missouri federal court by his sister, Ann Altman, claims abuse occurred from 1997 to 2006, starting when she was three years old. The lawsuit alleges bodily injury and resulting PTSD, emotional distress, and depression.

Ms. Altman has previously made similar accusations online. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000, with her attorney stating this is the minimum required for a federal suit and that punitive damages based on Mr. Altman’s net worth will be sought if the case goes to trial. The suit was filed under a Missouri statute allowing lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse up to ten years after the victim’s 21st birthday; Ms. Altman turned 31 on Wednesday.

Mr. Altman, along with his mother and two brothers, vehemently denied the allegations in a statement on X, describing the claims as “deeply hurtful and entirely untrue.” The statement attributed Ms. Altman’s accusations to “mental health challenges” and a refusal of treatment. Both parties declined to comment further to The New York Times.

The accusations come at a time of significant public attention for Mr. Altman and OpenAI, whose valuation recently reached $157 billion. The company is currently embroiled in a separate legal battle with The New York Times over copyright infringement claims.

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