“I am deeply ashamed.” Resignation at the top of OpenAI after revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein case
Larry Summers, former US Treasury secretary and president of Harvard University, resigned from OpenAI's board on Wednesday, days after the publication of emails that showed correspondence between him and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reports CNBC.
PHOTO: Facebook / Larry Summers
Summers had announced on Monday that he was stepping down from all public engagements, but it was unclear if that included his position on OpenAI's board. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, excited about the company's potential, and will watch its evolution with interest“, he said in a statement to CNBC.
OpenAI management said they respect Summers' decision and value the contributions and perspective he brings to the board. Summers was appointed to the board in 2023 during a period of turmoil for the company following the ouster and quick return of CEO Sam Altman.
Emails between Summers and Epstein were made public last week after the House Oversight Committee released more than 20,000 documents obtained through a subpoena issued to Epstein's estate. The revelations generated intense pressure on Summers, and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren demanded that Harvard University cut all ties with him.
On Friday, President Donald Trump asked the Justice Department to investigate the relationship between Epstein and Summers, as well as his ties to Bill Clinton, JPMorgan Chase and investor Reid Hoffman.
Summers stated: “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and acknowledge the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my wrong decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.”
On Tuesday, the US Congress approved a bipartisan bill forcing the Justice Department to release all its documents related to Epstein, clearing the way for Trump's signature.
