Sam Altman Addresses ‘Incendiary’ New Yorker Article After Home Attack

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded in a blog post to an attack on his home and a New Yorker profile questioning his trustworthiness. A Molotov cocktail was allegedly thrown at his San Francisco home, with no injuries, and a suspect was arrested at OpenAI headquarters, according to SF Police. Altman noted the timing followed an “incendiary article,” suggesting the piece could increase danger for him. The article by Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz portrayed Altman as having “a relentless will to power,” with some sources questioning his trustworthiness. Altman admitted to mistakes, including being “conflict-averse,” and referred to past conflicts, such as his temporary removal as OpenAI CEO in 2023. He expressed regret for past actions, identified dramatic dynamics in the tech industry, and emphasized sharing technology to avoid power monopolies. Altman welcomed criticism and highlighted the potential for technological progress to improve the future, urging a reduction in heated rhetoric and actions.