US judge dismisses Ann Altman's lawsuit against Sam Altman

A US district judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Ann Altman against her brother, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, after she did not attend an independent medical examination on three occasions.

In a written order, Judge Zachary Bluestone said Ann Altman had received multiple accommodations and opportunities to attend the examinations, and had been warned that failing to do so could result in the case being dismissed. He said she had “failed to meaningfully prosecute her case.” The judge dismissed the claims with prejudice, meaning they cannot be brought again.

Ann Altman had alleged that Sam Altman sexually abused her between 1997 and 2006, beginning when she was three and he was 12. Sam Altman has denied the allegations. The case was filed on 6 January 2025 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

In a joint statement at the time, Sam Altman, his mother and two brothers said they were concerned about Ann Altman's wellbeing and had provided financial support and help with medical care. They said her claims had changed over time and were “utterly untrue.” The family also said her bills and rent were covered.

Sam Altman co-founded OpenAI, which launched ChatGPT in 2022.