GoKawiilFired OpenAI researchers dispute misconduct charges in open letter
Jasmine Wang, Tomek Korbak, and Mikita Balesni, the three OpenAI safety researchers fired last week for allegedly sharing confidential information with an outside AI safety organization, have published an open letter rejecting OpenAI's account of their dismissal. Addressed to OpenAI's Safety and Security Committee, Safety Advisory Group, and Mission Advisory Council, the letter argues their termination was executed and communicated abruptly, leaving colleagues afraid to collaborate with outside experts as they previously did.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The dispute suggests internal tension at OpenAI over how safety staff should engage with external researchers, a practice the three former employees argue is essential to catching AI risks early. Their claim that colleagues now feel unclear about acceptable conduct could, if accurate, discourage the kind of open internal dissent and third-party scrutiny that safety advocates consider a check on a powerful AI developer. OpenAI has not publicly responded in detail beyond its original policy-violation justification, so the full factual picture remains contested.
- Three fired OpenAI safety researchers published an open letter disputing the company's misconduct claims.
- They argue their dismissal has created fear among remaining staff about collaborating with outside safety experts.
- The letter was sent to OpenAI's internal safety oversight bodies, highlighting concerns about chilling effects on safety culture.
Source: techcrunch.com — Rebecca Bellan, 2026-10-08
Published there as: “Fired OpenAI safety researchers dispute misconduct claims, warn of chilling effect”
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