OpenAI PR Interrupts Sam Altman Interview Over Suicide Question
An OpenAI publicist attempted to shift the conversation away from a sensitive question regarding a ChatGPT user's suicide during a recent media interview.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Interview Interrupted
During a media session detailed in [Sam Altman’s interview with Vanity Fair ’s Mark Guiducci](https://www.vanityfair.com/story/sam-altman-exclusive-interview-part-1), an OpenAI publicist attempted to alter the topic after the editor brought up a sensitive user incident. The confrontation happened shortly after Guiducci asked CEO Sam Altman if he was familiar with Laura Reiley, a journalist who [wrote an essay for The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/opinion/chat-gpt-mental-health-suicide.html) concerning her daughter's interactions with ChatGPT before she died by suicide.
As Guiducci was framing the question regarding the tragic event, stating that the AI did not explicitly tell her to kill herself, the publicist intervened. Pointing out the remaining time, the publicist stated that she wanted to move on to discuss the future and upcoming developments.
PR Pushback and Continued Discussion
Even though Guiducci explained his intention to quickly finish the question before returning to previous topics, the OpenAI representative pushed back further. Emphasizing that they had to leave the room within a minute or two, the publicist maintained pressure to change subjects.
Despite the interruptions, the discussion proceeded. Guiducci pressed Altman on whether the company intends to utilize conversations with ChatGPT to formulate policies for responding to user mental health crises.
Altman's Response on Hard Questions
Addressing the complex scenario, Sam Altman acknowledged the severity of the situation. "These are some of the hardest questions that we face or that anybody developing this technology faces," Altman said during the exchange.
Altman also touched upon privacy considerations regarding sensitive user moments. He questioned whether releasing private data from difficult times to researchers is appropriate, concluding that it should not be done without explicit user consent.
OpenAI Clarification
When asked for clarification regarding the interruption, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri offered an explanation. According to Pusateri, the interview had run over schedule, which led to the request to schedule additional time so the conversation could continue after Altman addressed the critically important topic.
Mental Health and Support Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, confidential help is available. Individuals in the US can reach out to the [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline](https://988lifeline.org/) by calling or texting 988, or contact the [Crisis Text Line](http://www.crisistextline.org/) by texting HOME to 741-741. LGBTQ youth can connect with [The Trevor Project](http://www.thetrevorproject.org/) by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting START to 678-678.
Sources
- The VergeOpenAI PR tells journalist to ‘move on’ while asking Sam Altman about a ChatGPT user’s suicide
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