In a recent interview, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson spoke with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, diving into the controversial topic of the death of former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji. According to Carlson, Balaji, whose death in November 2024 was ruled a suicide by San Francisco police, was “definitely murdered.”
The accusations didn’t stop there. During the interview, Carlson asserted Balaji’s mother’s claim that her son was murdered at Altman’s request. Altman responded by referring to the police investigation and its conclusion but expressed his anguish and frustration over having to defend himself against such severe accusations.
Prior to his death, Balaji had made bold accusations about OpenAI’s use of copyrighted data, suggesting that it was, in fact, an infringement of existing laws. He even voiced his concerns about how technologies like ChatGPT were impacting the internet negatively. Though Balaji’s theories on copyright law have been refuted by intellectual property lawyers, his mother remains steadfast in her belief that her son was murdered to protect OpenAI and other artificial intelligence organizations.
The mother, who has consistently promoted her belief in her son’s murder as a conspiracy, even appeared on Carlson’s show repeating her claim. She insists that the lack of a suicide note from Balaji and expert opinions she sought post his death, point to murder. Her views have found support from Elon Musk, among other prominent figures and elected officials.
Carlson deconstructed the circumstances surrounding Balaji’s death during the interview with Altman. From signs of a struggle to cut surveillance camera wires and the unexpected nature of his death, Carlson left no stone unturned.
Altman, taken aback, asked Carlson if he too, believed in the conspiracy theory, to which Carlson replied he was simply exploring all possibilities. He went on to state that the mysterious circumstances surrounding Balaji’s death should not be dismissed. He also questioned Altman’s apparent reluctance to delve deeper into the matter despite the allegations directed towards him.
The conversation between Carlson and Altman further intensified when Altman pointed out his unusual position of being accused indirectly. When Carlson counter-argued, stating he was conveying what Balaji’s mother believed, it served to highlight the complexity and high emotions surrounding this case.
Although these allegations remain unproven, the heated back-and-forth between Carlson and Altman symbolizes the intense public interest and definable tension around this controversial topic.
With new twists and turns emerging in the narrative of Balaji’s death, the public, it appears, will continue to be drawn into this ongoing saga.
Source: The Verge
