Former OpenAI board member Helen Toner in a revealing interview on “The Ted AI Show” podcast disclosed that the board first learned about the existence of ChatGPT through social media, specifically Twitter. Toner detailed the dramatic events surrounding the firing and subsequent rehiring of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman last November, painting a picture of a manipulative executive who created a “toxic atmosphere” within the company.
According to Toner, the decision to oust Altman stemmed from serious allegations made by two OpenAI executives who reported instances of “psychological abuse” to the board. These claims were substantiated with screenshots and documentation provided to the board.
Despite the gravity of these allegations, OpenAI has downplayed Toner’s account. Current board chair Bret Taylor issued a statement to the same podcast, stressing that a review concluded the prior board’s decision was not influenced by concerns over product safety, development speed, financial issues, or the company’s communications with investors and partners.
Altman’s swift return to the CEO position, just four days after being fired, was largely driven by overwhelming staff support. Nearly all of OpenAI’s 700 employees threatened to resign unless the board stepped down and reinstated Altman.
Toner suggested that employees were influenced by fears that the company would collapse without Altman and potential retaliation if they did not support his return.
(Inputs from Reuters)
