In 2023, the tech world was stunned when Sam Altman was suddenly removed as OpenAI’s CEO. New testimony now sheds light on the chaos and lies that may have driven the board’s decision. According to recent legal depositions, cofounder Ilya Sutskever described internal conflicts, claims of manipulation, and concerns that Altman was not fully candid with company leadership. This breakdown explains why Sam Altman was booted from OpenAI, according to new testimony, what witnesses alleged, and why it still matters in 2025.

Why Was Sam Altman Booted from OpenAI, According to New Testimony?

Fresh deposition details reveal that Sutskever believed Altman created distrust by pitting executives against each other and offering conflicting information to stakeholders. These concerns reportedly fueled the belief that Altman was not fully transparent about internal strategies. Although he was reinstated after employee backlash, the testimony suggests a culture of misalignment and confusion at OpenAI’s highest levels.

What Chaos and Lies Were Alleged During Sam Altman’s Ouster?

Sutskever’s testimony claims that internal chaos stemmed from confusing communication patterns and secrecy. Altman allegedly told key executives different stories, creating uncertainty about the company’s direction. Some claims were based on secondhand accounts, which Sutskever later viewed as unreliable. Nonetheless, the allegations painted a portrait of a CEO pushing his agenda without full board awareness.

Did Anthropic Talks Influence Why Sam Altman Was Booted?

The new testimony includes claims of short-lived merger discussions with rival AI company Anthropic. The talks reportedly contributed to the chaos as leaders questioned Altman’s true intentions. Although the discussions never advanced, they added to board concerns over whether Altman was acting in OpenAI’s best interest.

Was Sam Altman’s Removal Final?

No — after only days, Altman returned as CEO following strong internal backlash. Hundreds of OpenAI employees reportedly threatened to resign, demonstrating the internal loyalty Altman had maintained despite allegations. OpenAI maintains these events are now behind them, even as lawsuits keep them in the spotlight.