Sam Altman Subpoenaed Live with Steve Kerr in San Francisco
In an unexpected turn of events, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was served with a subpoena during a live discussion in San Francisco. The incident occurred on November 3, 2025, at the Sydney Goldstein Theater, where Altman was speaking alongside Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Details of the Incident
During the event, which was moderated by Manny Yekutiel, a man from the audience suddenly jumped onto the stage. He announced that he was serving Altman with legal papers. Yekutiel swiftly intervened, blocking the man from reaching Altman as security personnel escorted him off the stage. The timing of this disruption was both shocking and dramatic.
Legal Context
The San Francisco Public Defender’s Office later confirmed that the man, an investigator, had lawfully served a subpoena. According to a spokesperson, Valerie Ibarra, Altman was subpoenaed as a “potential witness in a pending criminal case.” This came after several attempts to contact him through OpenAI’s headquarters and online platforms.
Connection to Activist Group
- The activist group Stop AI claimed responsibility for the subpoena.
- They stated that the subpoena was related to their upcoming trial concerning charges for non-violent demonstrations.
- The group aims to highlight what they perceive as AI’s “existential threat to humanity.”
Although Altman did not physically accept the subpoena, California law allows for service to be valid regardless of acceptance. Following this brief disruption, the event resumed without further incident.
Ongoing Debate
This dramatic interruption has reignited discussions surrounding AI ethics, civil disobedience, and the accountability of technology leaders. As the conversation continues, both Altman and the implications of AI on society remain at the forefront of public interest.
