OpenAI CEO Sam Altman found himself in an unusual exchange this week when former Fox News host Tucker Carlson pressed him on a conspiracy theory surrounding the death of ex-OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji.
Balaji, who died in November 2024 in San Francisco, had been ruled a suicide by police. He had publicly criticised OpenAI for alleged copyright violations and was scheduled to testify in the New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. Despite the official findings, his mother has insisted he was murdered to protect AI firms, citing the absence of a note and private expert opinions. Elon Musk, several officials, and Carlson himself have echoed those suspicions.
During the interview, Carlson told Altman, “He was definitely murdered, I think… there were signs of a struggle… no indication at all that he was suicidal.” He went further, saying Balaji’s mother believed Altman had ordered the killing.
Altman, visibly unsettled, pointed back to police investigations and stressed his discomfort with the accusation. “I feel strange and sad debating this, and having to defend myself seems totally crazy, and you are a little bit accusing me,” he said, though Carlson denied doing so.
Balaji’s claims against OpenAI centred on his mathematical analysis suggesting the company’s AI models unlawfully relied on copyrighted data. Legal experts, however, argued his conclusions misunderstood copyright law, and unlike other whistleblowers, he had not revealed internal company documents.
Carlson’s framing of the case reflects his ongoing scepticism of Big Tech and willingness to amplify alternative narratives. Earlier this year, he aired a segment with Balaji’s mother titled “Mother of Likely Murdered OpenAI Whistleblower Reveals All, Calls for Investigation of Sam Altman.”
The back-and-forth highlights the polarising environment around OpenAI, already under scrutiny for its governance, partnerships, and high-profile lawsuits. Altman, caught between official findings and conspiracy-driven speculation, summed up his unease bluntly: “I haven’t done too many interviews where I’ve been accused of, like…” before Carlson interjected again to deny it was an accusation.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman found himself in an unusual exchange this week when former Fox News host Tucker Carlson pressed him on a conspiracy theory surrounding the death of ex-OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji.
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