OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is facing a new twist in his ongoing legal battle after the attorneys representing his sister abruptly moved to withdraw from her sexual abuse lawsuit.
In court filings submitted on Monday, April 27, in St. Louis federal court, and obtained by Reuters, two law firms—Mahoney Law Firm and Simon Law Firm—said they could no longer represent Annie Altman, citing what they described as “an unfortunate general breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.”
The firms added that continuing their involvement had become “impracticable,” citing professional considerations and confidential circumstances. Annie Altman is now seeking new legal representation, though a judge must approve the attorneys’ withdrawal.
Annie Altman has accused her brother of sexually abusing and raping her over a period spanning from 1997 to 2006 at their family home in Clayton, Missouri. According to her filings, the alleged abuse began when she was three years old, and he was 12.
In response to the allegations, Altman has filed a countersuit accusing his sister of defamation. His legal complaint alleges that she fabricated the accusations and amplified them on social media after the family declined what he described as demands for additional financial support.
That countersuit references posts and a video in which Annie Altman said “an almost tech billionaire” had molested her. Attorneys for Altman did not immediately comment on the latest development.
The lawsuit itself has already faced procedural challenges. Earlier this year, a federal judge dismissed parts of Annie Altman’s initial complaint due to expired deadlines but allowed her to refile under Missouri’s childhood sexual abuse statute, which can extend the window for survivors to bring civil claims. She subsequently filed an amended complaint to continue pursuing the case.
As the public face of OpenAI since the release of ChatGPT in 2022, Sam Altman has become closely associated with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Forbes estimates his net worth at roughly $3.5 billion.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, help is available. Contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or visit their website for confidential, 24/7 support.
