OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, released a blog entry on Friday night addressing both an apparent assault on his residence and an extensive New Yorker profile that questioned his reliability.

In the early hours of Friday, an individual reportedly launched a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s home in San Francisco. Luckily, no injuries occurred, and a suspect was subsequently apprehended at OpenAI’s headquarters, where he was allegedly threatening to set the building ablaze, as stated by the SF Police Department.

Though the police have not publicly named the suspect, Altman remarked that the attack followed shortly after “a provocative article” was published about him. He pointed out that someone had indicated that the timing of the article’s release “during a period of significant anxiety over AI” might increase the danger for him.

“I dismissed it,” Altman shared. “Now, I find myself awake in the dead of night, frustrated, and realizing that I underestimated the impact of language and the narratives surrounding it.”

The article in question was a detailed investigative piece authored by Ronan Farrow (who received a Pulitzer for exposing various sexual abuse allegations surrounding Harvey Weinstein) and Andrew Marantz (who has extensively covered technology and politics).

Farrow and Marantz noted that during their discussions with over 100 individuals familiar with Altman’s business practices, most characterized him as a person with “an unyielding desire for power that, even among industrialists involved in space travel, distinguishes him.” 

In line with other journalists who have reported on Altman, Farrow and Marantz suggested that numerous sources expressed doubts regarding his trustworthiness, with one unnamed board member stating he possesses “a strong urge to gain approval, to be liked in any given interaction,” coupled with “a sociopathic indifference to the repercussions that may arise from deceiving someone.”

In addressing these issues, Altman reflected that he can see “numerous things I take pride in and several errors as well.”

Among his missteps, he mentioned his inclination towards “avoiding conflict,” which he felt has “caused considerable distress for both myself and OpenAI.”

“I regret my poor handling of a conflict with our previous board that resulted in a significant mess for the organization,” Altman stated, presumably alluding to his ousting and quick reinstatement as OpenAI CEO in 2023. “I have encountered numerous other mistakes throughout OpenAI’s tumultuous journey; I acknowledge being an imperfect individual amidst a remarkably complex scenario, striving to improve each year, and consistently focused on our mission.”

He continued, “I apologize to those I’ve harmed and wish I had acquired understanding more swiftly.”

Altman also recognized that there appears to be “a great deal of Shakespearean drama among the companies within our sector,” which he linked to a “‘ring of power’ dynamic” that “causes individuals to engage in irrational behavior.”

Naturally, the appropriate response to the ring of power is to eliminate it, hence Altman stated, “I don’t imply that [artificial general intelligence] is the ring itself, but rather the encompassing philosophy of ‘being the one to govern AGI.’” He advocates “a shift towards widely sharing the technology, ensuring that no one possesses the ring.”

Altman concluded by expressing his openness to “constructive criticism and discourse,” while reiterating his conviction that “technological advancements can lead to an extraordinarily positive future for both your family and mine.”

“During our discussions, we ought to reduce the escalation of rhetoric and tactics and aim for fewer confrontations in fewer homes, both figuratively and literally,” he remarked.