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By Sonam Sheth
Evening Politics Editor
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded in a lengthy statement Tuesday after his estranged sister filed a lawsuit accusing him and his family members of childhood sexual abuse.
The Context
Altman's sister, Ann, alleged in the suit that her older brother groomed her and sexually assaulted her multiple times in the 1990s and 2000s, causing her physical injuries and resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch first reported on the lawsuit, which was filed in St. Louis.
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What To Know
The OpenAI chief reacted to the suit in a statement that was co-signed by his mother, Connie, and his two brothers, Max and Jack.
"Our family loves Annie and is very concerned about her well-being. Caring for a family member who faces mental health challenges is very difficult," the statement said. "Over the years, we've tried in many ways to support Annie and help her find stability, following professional advice on how to be supportive without enabling harmful behaviors."
The statement went on to say that the Altman family has tried "in many ways" to support Ann emotionally, medically and financially.
"Despite this, Annie continues to demand more money from us," the statement said. "In this vein, Annie has made deeply hurtful and entirely untrue claims about our family, especially Sam. We've chosen not to respond publicly, out of respect for her privacy and our own. However, she has now taken legal action against Sam, and we feel we have no choice but to address this."
It's not the first time Ann Altman has made allegations of abuse.
"I experienced sexual, physical, emotional, verbal, financial, and technological abuse from my biological siblings, mostly Sam Altman and some from Jack Altman," she wrote on Twitter, now X, on November 14, 2021.
"I feel strongly that others have also been abused by these perpetrators," she wrote. "I'm seeking people to join me in pursuing legal justice, safety for others in the future, and group healing."
The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages, according to The St. Louis Post- Dispatch.
Who is Ann Altman?
Ann Altman is Sam Altman's youngest sibling. She has pursued a diverse career, including roles as a certified yoga instructor and work in the cannabis industry. She has also been involved in some creative pursuits and she hosted The Annie Altman Show, a podcast that explored human experiences and personal development.
The youngest Altman expressed feelings of estrangement from her family, particularly after their father, Jerry, died in 2018.
What People Are Saying
Ann Altman's lawyer, Ryan Mahoney, praised his client in a statement: "We want to commend Annie on her strength and bravery in coming forward as a survivor, and we will fight on her behalf to achieve the justice she deserves."
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What Happens Next
A hearing has not yet been set in this case.
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