Sam Altman Firing: New Book Reveals OpenAI Drama

OpenAI's 2023 CEO Firings: New Insights

A forthcoming book, “The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI, and the Race to Invent the Future,” reveals previously undisclosed information regarding the abrupt dismissal of CEO Sam Altman by OpenAI’s board in 2023.

Concerns Regarding Altman's Activities

According to Wall Street Journal reporter Keach Hagey, author of the book, board members grew increasingly worried after discovering certain issues. These included the OpenAI Startup Fund, which was, in actuality, controlled by Sam Altman himself.

Evidence of Questionable Conduct

Simultaneously, OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati were gathering documentation. This documentation detailed what they perceived as Altman’s problematic and untruthful actions.

The evidence included screenshots sourced from Murati’s Slack communications. For instance, Altman reportedly asserted that the company’s legal counsel had determined GPT-4 Turbo did not require review by the joint safety board.

However, the company’s chief legal officer refuted having made such a statement.

The Aftermath of the Board's Decision

Following the presentation of this evidence by Sutskever, the board initiated proceedings to remove Altman from his position. Mira Murati was then designated as interim CEO.

This decision proved to be counterproductive. OpenAI staff, including Sutskever and Murati, signed a petition calling for Altman’s reinstatement.

Altman's Return and Subsequent Departures

Altman was subsequently reinstated as CEO. Following this, both Sutskever and Murati departed OpenAI to establish their own independent ventures.

The situation highlights the internal tensions and complexities surrounding the leadership of one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence companies.