Inside the Turbulent Ouster of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman: Board Testimony Reveals Deep Concerns

Background

In 2023, members of OpenAI’s board of directors voted to remove CEO Sam Altman, citing a lack of consistent candor in his communications with the board. The decision was framed as a response to a pattern of behavior that eroded the board’s confidence in his leadership. Altman’s ouster lasted less than a week before employee pressure led to his reinstatement, but the episode exposed deep divisions within the company.

Sutskever Deposition

Co‑founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever provided a nearly ten‑hour deposition as part of Elon Musk’s ongoing lawsuit against Altman and OpenAI. In his testimony, Sutskever described a series of actions by Altman that he believed demonstrated manipulation and a willingness to create internal conflict. He recounted that Altman would tell senior leaders, such as himself and Jakub Pachocki, contradictory statements about how the company should be run, effectively setting them at odds.

Sutskever also referenced a 52‑page memo he sent to board members Adam D’Angelo, Helen Toner, and Tasha McCauley, which compiled screenshots and other documentation of concerning behavior. He explained that he did not share the memo with Altman because he feared the information would be suppressed.

Board Concerns and Specific Allegations

The deposition highlighted several specific allegations:

• Altman allegedly pitted executives against each other, including a reported conflict between former CTO Mira Murati and research executive Daniela Amodei.
• He was said to have offered no clear stance when former research executive Dario Amodei, now CEO of Anthropic, proposed that all research be moved under his control and that Greg Brockman be removed.
• During the brief period after Altman’s removal, Anthropic reportedly expressed interest in a merger, with both Dario and Daniela Amodei participating in discussions, though practical challenges halted the deal.
• Murati provided Sutskever with screenshots of a text‑message exchange between Altman and Brockman, and claimed Altman had previously exhibited similar chaotic behavior while leading Y Combinator.

Sutskever also noted that former board member Helen Toner had publicly asserted that Altman concealed important information, including ownership of the OpenAI Startup Fund and misrepresentations about the company’s safety processes.

Aftermath and Executive Departures

Following the crisis, several top executives left OpenAI. Sutskever himself remained for six months before departing to launch Safe Superintelligence (SSI). Murati announced a new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, and other senior researchers such as Bob McGrew and Barret Zoph also exited.

The board itself underwent a transformation, with new members added and some original members departing. Despite the turmoil, OpenAI’s spokesperson later stated that the events of 2023 are “behind us” and affirmed confidence in Altman’s leadership after an independent review.

Implications

The deposition offers a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of one of the world’s most influential AI companies. It underscores how disagreements over strategy, governance, and personal conduct can erupt into public crises, especially when high‑stakes technology and substantial financial interests are involved. The ongoing legal battles suggest further revelations may emerge, shedding more light on the leadership challenges that shaped OpenAI’s recent history.