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Texts Expose Murati's Role in OpenAI Power Play
8 May
Summary
- Murati played a key role in the initial decision to oust Altman.
- Internal texts reveal Murati's dire assessment of Altman's situation.
- Murati later signed a letter supporting Altman's reinstatement.
Newly revealed trial exhibits and testimony from the Musk v. Altman case offer an unprecedented look at OpenAI's tumultuous leadership crisis in November 2023. Former CTO Mira Murati was at the center of the dramatic events surrounding Sam Altman's ouster and subsequent return.
Initially, Murati played a significant role in the board's decision to terminate Altman's employment, reportedly sharing concerns and documentation that supported their decision. Internal text messages exchanged between Murati and Altman during the crisis revealed her dire assessment, stating the situation was "very bad" and that the board was convinced of their decision for him to leave.
Despite her initial involvement, Murati's stance appeared to shift rapidly. She was named interim CEO but soon ceded the position. Within days, she signed a letter from hundreds of OpenAI employees threatening to quit unless Altman was reinstated. This move, along with her communications with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, aimed at unifying the team and preventing researchers from leaving.
Murati's past criticisms of Altman's management style, documented in a September 2022 letter, resurfaced, detailing concerns about chaos, pressure to change priorities, and a lack of clear direction. Her deposition testimony reiterated these management-related issues, emphasizing her request for Altman to lead with clarity and not undermine her role.
