Fired OpenAI researchers say they were let go for 'prioritising safety'

What the report says

Three former OpenAI researchers have publicly disputed the company’s explanation for their dismissal, saying they were removed because they pressed safety concerns rather than for misconduct. In posts on X and in an open letter to OpenAI leadership, Mikita Balesni, Tomek Korbak and Jasmine Wang said they had worked in safety or alignment roles and argued that speaking up about AI risks should not be treated as a disciplinary issue.

OpenAI has rejected that account. According to the BBC’s reporting, a spokesperson said on 2 October that an internal investigation found the employees had mishandled sensitive information outside company procedures. The company repeated that position in a later note from research leaders, saying the decisions were not related to safety complaints and that the investigation identified a broader breach of trust. The BBC report did not specify the exact information involved.

The dispute comes as debate intensifies over how to manage the risks of advanced AI systems and how much freedom employees should have to raise concerns internally. The former staff members warned that the firings could make other workers more hesitant to speak candidly about safety. OpenAI also said it is finalising contracts with outside safety assessors and expects to share more details in the coming weeks.