What happened to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at the live event?

Altman was unexpectedly served with a subpoena during the event, where he was discussing wealth inequality and the future of AI.

Why did the activist group Stop AI subpoena Altman?

The group claims Altman's company OpenAI poses an "extinction threat" to humanity, and they want Altman to testify in their upcoming trial.

What was the controversy surrounding Altman's comments at the event?

Altman repeatedly defended the enormous wealth of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, sparking controversy and a discussion about the growing wealth gap in the country.

Home / Business and Economy / Billionaire Tech CEO Ambushed, Served Subpoena During Live Event

Billionaire Tech CEO Ambushed, Served Subpoena During Live Event

10 Nov

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Summary

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman unexpectedly served with subpoena during speaking event
Activist group claims trial will address AI's "extinction threat" to humanity
Altman repeatedly defended Nvidia CEO's wealth, sparking controversy

Billionaire Tech CEO Ambushed, Served Subpoena During Live Event

On November 10, 2025, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was speaking at a live event in San Francisco when he was unexpectedly ambushed and served with a subpoena. As Altman was discussing wealth inequality and the future of AI with Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a man suddenly burst onto the stage, waving a white envelope and declaring he had a subpoena for the tech mogul.

The subpoena was issued by an activist group called Stop AI, who claim their members have been repeatedly arrested for non-violent protests against OpenAI. The group alleges that Altman's company poses an "extinction threat" to humanity and that this trial will be the "first time in human history" where a jury will consider the risks of advanced AI.