AI
OpenAI Publicist Cuts Off Interview as Altman Addresses ChatGPT and User Suicide
An OpenAI representative attempted to redirect Sam Altman's Vanity Fair conversation away from a sensitive question about a ChatGPT user who died by suicide.
The Verge
During an interview with Vanity Fair's Mark Guiducci, OpenAI's public relations team moved to halt discussion of a sensitive topic: a ChatGPT user's death by suicide. The interruption raised questions about how the company handles difficult questions regarding AI safety and responsibility.
The Attempted Topic Shift#
Guiducci was preparing to ask Altman about Laura Reiley, a journalist who published a piece in The New York Times documenting her daughter's interactions with ChatGPT before the daughter took her own life. As the editor began framing the question, emphasizing that ChatGPT had not encouraged the outcome, a publicist intervened with claims that time was running short and suggested moving forward to other topics.
Despite Guiducci's insistence on completing the question and later returning to previous subjects, the representative reiterated the time constraint and the need to wrap up.
Altman's Response#
The CEO ultimately responded to the line of questioning, acknowledging the gravity of the matter. "These are some of the hardest questions that we face or that anybody developing this technology faces," Altman said. He addressed privacy concerns in particular, noting the ethical complications of sharing user conversations—even in moments of crisis—with researchers without explicit permission.
OpenAI's Statement#
When contacted for clarification, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri characterized the situation differently, stating that the time pressure led the team to propose extending the conversation. "The interview was running over, which is why we ultimately asked to schedule even more time to continue the conversation after Sam addressed this critically important topic," Pusateri explained.
If you or someone you know is struggling: Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741-741), 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), or The Trevor Project (text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386). International resources here.
