A federal judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by Annie Altman against her brother, OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman. The lawsuit, which alleged repeated sexual abuse occurring more than two decades ago, was dismissed after the plaintiff did not attend a court-ordered medical evaluation. U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone stated in his ruling that Annie Altman refused to appear for an independent medical examination, despite prior warnings that such a failure would lead to the dismissal of the case.
The legal action originated in January 2025, when Annie Altman filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She alleged that Sam Altman sexually abused and raped her between 1997 and 2006 at their family home in Clayton, Missouri. According to the filing, the alleged conduct began when she was 3 years old and Sam Altman was 12, with the final instances occurring when Sam Altman was an adult.
Sam Altman has denied all allegations of abuse. His family has stated that Annie Altman faces mental health challenges and has received financial support from them in the past. Sam Altman said his sister began making these accusations on social media only after the family declined her requests for additional funds. Attorneys for Sam Altman did not provide an immediate comment following the dismissal, and a lawyer for Annie Altman, Laura Politi, also did not immediately comment.
For the broader public and observers of the technology sector, the resolution of this case removes a legal proceeding involving the head of one of the most prominent artificial intelligence firms. The litigation has concluded without a trial or a determination on the merits of the abuse allegations, due to the plaintiff’s non-compliance with a court order.
What happens next: As of October 20, 2026, the case is dismissed. The source does not report whether Annie Altman intends to appeal the judge's decision or if there are further deadlines for refiling. Santos Perez, a lawyer who represented Annie Altman until withdrawing earlier in October 2026, stated he is no longer authorized to comment on the case but maintained his belief in his former client. No further court dates or hearings are currently scheduled in this matter according to the report.