The OpenAI drama might be finally behind us after Sam Altman and the company reached an “in principle” agreement to bring back their former CEO and co-founder to lead the company once again.
But since Friday, when the drama unfolded, there have been multiple instances of constant back and forth, with rumors of a “palace coup” and allegations of Altman neglecting AI safety.
To say the least, the OpenAI drama has been fast-paced and intense. If you are confused about how it all unfolded and has now been resolved, here’s the definitive OpenAI drama timeline:
See Also: Sam Altman To Return As OpenAI CEO As New Board Collaborating ‘To Figure Out Details’
OpenAI Drama Timeline: From Ousting Altman To Bringing Him Back
Nov. 17: Sam Altman fired as OpenAI CEO, company names CTO Mira Murati as the interim CEO.
Nov. 18: Chief scientist Ilya Sutskever confirms allegations of a “palace coup”, adding that the board was “doing its duty to the mission of nonprofit.
Nov. 18: Former OpenAI president Greg Brockman reveals that he was removed from his position, and Altman was fired over a Google Meet call. Both expressed sadness in their first statement issued since the firing.
Nov. 19: A day after his firing, OpenAI board was reportedly in talks with Altman for a possible comeback.
Nov. 19: After being blindsided, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) CEO Satya Nadella sprang into action and threw his weight behind Altman.
Nov. 19: Altman spotted at OpenAI offices with a ‘Guest’ badge. “Last time I ever wear one of these,” he said.
Nov. 20: OpenAI announces a surprise appointment, bringing in Twitch’s former CEO Emmett Shear to lead the company. Murati announced as an interim CEO, gets shown the door within two days of her appointment.
Nov. 20: After failing to get the OpenAI board to reinstate Altman, Nadella announces Altman and Brockman will lead a new advanced AI research team at Microsoft, along with their former OpenAI colleagues.
Nov. 20: Shear reveals Altman was not fired over AI safety concerns. He also underlined a three-point agenda for the next 30 days.
Nov. 20: OpenAI employees announce an open rebellion and demand the company to bring back Altman and Brockman. Eventually, 743 of 770 employees signed the letter.
Nov. 20: Sutskever, who triggered the ouster of Altman, said in a post that he “deeply” regrets participating in the campaign to remove Altman. Sutskever said this after the count of employees threatening to quit OpenAI swelled to over 95% of the total staff.
Nov. 20: Amidst the ongoing crisis, OpenAI’s board reportedly approached Anthropic for a merger.
Nov. 20: Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) CEO Marc Benioff begins attempts to openly poach OpenAI staff, asking them to send their CVs directly to him.
Nov. 21: Sutskever, Altman, and other employees rally in support of unity amongst themselves. A leaked OpenAI memo also calls for unity and says, “we have a plan”.
Nov. 21: Altman, OpenAI board member Adam D’Angelo, and other investors enter talks for Altman’s return to the company.
Nov. 21: Amidst all the chaos, OpenAI somehow makes ChatGPT Voice free for all.
Nov. 21: OpenAI, Microsoft hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit by author Julian Sancton.
Nov. 21: Reports of discontent amongst Microsoft staff after Nadella offers to hire Altman and other OpenAI employees.
Nov. 22: Report emerges suggesting Altman tried to oust board member Helen Toner but eventually ended up being fired himself.
Nov. 22: Altman to return as OpenAI CEO. The company announces a new board, composed of Bret Taylor, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and D’Angelo.
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