A former OpenAI board member recently disclosed the reasons for CEO Sam Altman’s dismissal and subsequent rehiring. Allegations against Altman included creating a toxic work environment, dishonesty, and psychological abuse. Former board members Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley expressed a loss of confidence in Altman due to his lack of transparency and honesty. Altman failed to disclose his ownership of the OpenAI Startup fund and provided false information about the company’s safety procedures.
After being fired, Altman briefly joined Microsoft but returned to OpenAI under a new board, sparking controversy and investor threats of lawsuits. It was revealed that Altman had experienced similar issues at previous positions, including being fired at Y Combinator and his startup Loopt.
While some OpenAI employees supported Altman’s return due to concerns about the company’s future without him, others were worried about the toxic work environment he had created and feared retaliation. OpenAI senior safety researcher Jan Leike also resigned, citing concerns that “safety culture and processes have been put behind flashy products.”