Former OpenAI board member Helen Toner has revealed shocking details about the company’s attempt to fire CEO Sam Altman in a recent TED AI Show interview. The board of OpenAI made the decision to fire Altman in November 2023, citing his lack of transparency and honesty in his communications. However, Altman was reinstated less than a week later after 95% of the company threatened to quit unless he was brought back.
Toner, a research strategy director at Georgetown University, claimed that Altman had been withholding information, misrepresenting facts, and outright lying to the board for years. She provided specific examples, such as Altman not informing the board about the release of ChatGPT ahead of time and his ownership of the OpenAI Startup Fund, contradicting his claim of being an independent board member.
Furthermore, Toner accused Altman of providing inaccurate information about the company’s AI safety processes and creating a toxic atmosphere within the company. Top OpenAI safety researchers have recently left the company, prompting the creation of a new safety team led by Altman.
Despite the board’s attempt to remove Altman, 95% of OpenAI’s staff wanted him back as CEO. Toner suggested that employees may have viewed the situation as a choice between Altman returning or the company being destroyed. OpenAI responded to Toner’s statements by stating that their decision to fire Altman was not based on concerns regarding product safety, development pace, finances, or statements to investors.
In a surprising turn of events, Altman has pledged to give away most of his wealth as part of The Giving Pledge. The controversy surrounding Altman’s leadership at OpenAI continues to raise questions about transparency and accountability within the company.