Official statement or press release from OpenAI

Suchir Balaji's Death Ruled Suicide, Family and Elon Musk Demand FBI Probe Over Copyright Violations

Dec 30, 2024, 05:09 AM

The parents of Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher and whistleblower, are challenging the official ruling of his death as a suicide. Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, shortly after accusing OpenAI of copyright violations in the development of ChatGPT. His mother, Poornima Ramarao, has called for an FBI investigation, alleging signs of a struggle and blood spots in the bathroom of Balaji's ransacked apartment, suggesting foul play. A private autopsy commissioned by the family reportedly contradicts the official findings, leading Ramarao to claim it was a cold-blooded murder. Elon Musk has publicly supported Ramarao's claims, stating on social media that Balaji's death 'doesn't seem like a suicide.' The San Francisco police initially found no evidence of foul play. Balaji had resigned from OpenAI in August, citing ethical concerns over the company's practices.