Hundreds of OpenAI employees are demanding the resignation of the company's board and threatening to quit following the unexpected removal of CEO Sam Altman. The tumultuous weekend concluded with Altman being hired by Microsoft. In a letter obtained by CNN, over 500 employees accused the OpenAI board of mishandling Altman's firing, lacking evidence for claims against Altman, and negotiating in bad faith.
The employees warned they would follow Altman to Microsoft unless the board resigns and reinstates Altman and Greg Brockman, the former OpenAI president also removed by the board. Among the signatories is Mira Murati, named Altman's interim successor, and Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's co-founder and chief scientist.
Sutskever later posted an apology on X, acknowledging his role in the leadership crisis and expressing regret for his actions. The letter exposes internal divides at OpenAI and raises doubts about the fate of the non-employee board members. The board allegedly suggested that allowing the company to be destroyed would be consistent with OpenAI's mission of ensuring AI benefits humanity.
The employees' rebuke emphasizes Altman's loyal following and Microsoft's opportunity to benefit from the situation. Microsoft has reportedly assured that there are positions for all OpenAI employees. Altman amplified Sutskever's apology with a short commentary consisting of three heart emojis. The situation is evolving, and this information has been updated with additional details.