Ann Altman has filed a lawsuit against her brother, OpenAI chief executive, Sam Altman, alleging he sexually abused her when they were children.
In the lawsuit filed in a United States district court in the Eastern District on 6 January, Ann alleges that the abuse began when she was three and Sam was 12 and continued while Sam was an adult and Ann was still a child.
The lawsuit is requesting a jury trial and damages in excess of US$75,000 (A$120,653.12), and in the court filing her lawyers said she experiences mental health issues as a result of the alleged abuse.
Ann had previously made similar allegations on social media but has never taken legal action.
After Ann took legal action, Sam and the rest of his immediate family made a joint statement on X claiming that the allegations were “utterly untrue”.
“This situation causes immense pain to our entire family,” the statement said.
Ann is 30 years' old and under Missouri law plaintiffs can bring claims of childhood sexual abuse up to the age of 31.
Sam, 39, is one of the most prominent technology leaders and co-founded OpenAI. OpenAI is a privately held company and is not publicly traded.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:
- National Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
- 24-hour Emergency Accommodation Helpline on 1800 800 588
- Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
- National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212.
- SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
- Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours on 6231 1817
- Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
- Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
- Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
- Don't handle it alone. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Men with anger, relationship or parenting issues should contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491. They should also contact the Don’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413.