'Sam [Altman] Started Lying To Other Board Members': Top Ex-Member Opens Up On OpenAI CEO's 'Toxic' Behaviour

When ChatGPT came out in November 2022, the board was not informed in advance. We learned about ChatGPT on Twitter," the member said.

Toner noted that Altman's problematic behaviour was not a recent development.

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Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, was removed from his position in a surprising move back in November 2023. The decision came despite Altman's pivotal role in the successful launch of ChatGPT, a highly popular app. While Altman was later reinstated, Helen Toner, a former board member at OpenAI, revealed the details behind his abrupt departure during an appearance on 'The TED AI Show' podcast.

Toner shared that the board felt it was necessary to act in secrecy to prevent Altman from thwarting their plans. "It was very clear to all of us that as soon as Sam had any inkling that we might do something that went against him, he would pull out all the stops," she said.

Why Did The Board Lose Faith In Altman?

The board's distrust of Altman stemmed from several factors. One significant issue was Altman's undisclosed stake in the OpenAI Startup Fund. Furthermore, he repeatedly misrepresented the company's safety protocols. Toner also alleged that Altman attempted to oust her from the board after she published a controversial research paper. "Sam started lying to other board members in order to try and push me off the board," she stated.

The situation escalated when two executives reported their negative experiences with Altman to the board. They described a "toxic" work environment at OpenAI, accusing him of psychological abuse and manipulative behaviour. This prompted the board to take decisive action.

Toner also criticised the board’s lack of oversight, citing the launch of ChatGPT as an example. "When ChatGPT came out in November 2022, the board was not informed in advance. We learned about ChatGPT on Twitter," she explained.

Despite the board’s decision, there was immediate pressure to bring Altman back. Toner suggested that employees were forced to choose between supporting Altman’s return or risking the company’s downfall. Many employees feared potential retaliation from Altman if they opposed him.

Toner noted that Altman's problematic behaviour was not a recent development. She referenced his troubled history, including his firing from Y Combinator and issues at his previous startup, Loopt, where the management team twice sought his removal for deceptive and chaotic conduct.

"If you look at his track record, he doesn’t exactly have a glowing trail of references," Toner remarked.