A former member of the OpenAI board, Helen Toner, has claimed that Sam Altman was removed from his position at OpenAI due to accusations of not sharing important details with the board. Toner, speaking on a recent Ted AI podcast, stated that Altman had consistently made it challenging for the board to carry out their responsibilities.

Toner cited an incident where Altman allegedly failed to inform the board about the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, which was only discovered through social media channels. This lack of transparency reportedly hindered the board's ability to oversee the company effectively.

Following these allegations, Altman was ousted from the board and temporarily relieved of his duties as CEO in November 2023. The decision to remove him was met with strong opposition from OpenAI employees, with a significant number signing a petition calling for the board's resignation. This pressure led to Altman's reinstatement shortly after.

The OpenAI board plays a crucial role in providing guidance on safety and security matters related to the company's projects. Toner also accused Altman of not disclosing his ownership of the OpenAI Startup Fund to the board, despite claiming to have no financial stake in the organization.

Established in 2021, the OpenAI Startup Fund is a $175 million venture capital initiative that invests in companies focused on AI, technology, healthcare, and education. Recent filings with the SEC indicate that the fund's governance structure has been revised to ensure it is no longer under Altman's ownership, with control now entrusted to Ian Hathaway, a partner at the firm since 2021.